Indian Cricket Board to introduce substitution rule in Indian T20 League: Reports

Indian Cricket Board is set to introduce substitution in its T20 tournaments including the Indian T20 League. Substitution rule is very unfamiliar in the game although there have been instances in the past. In the mid-2000s, World Cricket Governing Council introduced the super-sub rule. According to the rule, the player would be substituted as per the team's needs. However, the rule didn't stay in the game for even a year.

Another instance of substitution is the existing 'Concussion Substitute'. The readers might be aware of the rule in which if a player is being hit by a ball and can't participate in the game, they can be replaced. Other than these two, the substitution is cricket is way too different from sports such as Football, Kabaddi, Hockey, etc. However, if the reports are correct, the substitution rules of Football, Kabaddi, and Hockey could be introduced in cricket as well.

It is reported that the Indian Cricket Board is looking to introduce the same rules in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting next month. The reports further say that the board is also looking to introduce the new rules in all of its T20 tournaments including the Indian T20 League from next year.

“With the ever- growing popularity of T20 cricket, it is imperative that we look at introducing new dimensions which will make this format more attractive and interesting not only for our viewers but also the participating teams from a strategic viewpoint,” Indian Cricket Board wrote in a circular as reported by The Indian Express.

Teams need to identify four substitutes: Reports

Reports further said that the teams would need to identify four players as substitutes. Those players would be named in the team sheet before the toss.

“Teams need to identify playing XI and 4 substitutes at the time of the toss. Out of the 4 substitutes named in the team sheet, only one of the players can be used as an Impact player,” the circular stated.