New Delhi: Brilliant batting Sachin Tendulkar have called for significant changes to the IPL’s playing regulations, including the removal of the impact player rule, which they believe tilts the game too much in favor of the batsmen.The impact player rule, introduced ahead of the 2023 season, allows teams to replace one player from the starting XI at any stage during a match with five substitutions. Although the innovation was designed to allow tactical flexibility, it remains a subject of debate among players and experts.Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Tendulkar made it clear that he is not a fan of the regulation.“I think there are some things that I can say personally, I think an impact player needs to go away,” Tendulkar said at the ESPNcricinfo Awards.“I think when in the T20 format you only have to play 20 overs, and then you’re adding another batsman to the line-up. Where the bowlers are already being challenged, I see that imbalance.”Teams regularly post massive totals on batting-friendly pitches, a rule Tendulkar believes has widened the gap between batsmen and bowlers.The rule has also drawn criticism from several leading cricketers, including Indian captain Shibman Gill and former captain Rohit Sharmaboth have questioned the role of all-rounders and its impact on the overall balance of the game.To address this problem, Tendulkar proposed a change to the powerplay system by introducing a bowling powerplay that would give captains more control over field placement.“(I) In a powerplay of six overs with field restrictions, only two fielders are allowed to leave the ring. Let the first four overs be a powerplay by the batsmen with the same field restrictions.“After that, the remaining two powerplay overs should be decided by the fielding captain when he wants to take them. Those two consecutive overs will also get a fielder outside the ring at any stage of the game extra,” Tendulkar said.“So you (the fielding side) are able to control the game better.”The former India captain also suggested that the maximum number of overs a bowler bowls in a T20 innings could be increased from four to five, allowing teams to rely more on their premier bowlers.“A bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs. Because always the best bowler in the team will bowl that fifth over.“Wouldn’t you like to see that great bowler bowl more? Top batsmen sometimes bowl up to 20 overs. Why shouldn’t the best bowler bowl five overs?” he asked.
