IPL Team captains are alerted to fielders’ movements and officials during catches. BCCI has shared an important update regarding the impact player role ahead of the 2026 season. Teams are clearly instructed that a catch will only be considered valid if the fielder has full control of both the ball and his body before any celebration begins. According to Clause 33.3 of the Playing Conditions, “The making of a catch shall commence from the time the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when the fielder has full control of both the ball and his own movement.”“Although the rule is not new, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized its importance during the captains’ meeting on Wednesday. Officials presented several video clips, including examples from the recent T20 World Cup, where catches were misjudged due to lack of full control.The message was clear: the rule would now be strictly enforced. Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath and elite umpire Nitin Menon addressed the segment during the 90-minute session.
Influence player rule to stay.
The meeting also confirmed that the impact player rule will remain in place for at least one more season, with no immediate plans to review it. Despite concerns raised by some players, the BCCI and IPL officials clarified that the rule will continue at least until the 2027 season.Captain of Delhi Capitals Akshar Patel Openly criticized the rule, saying: “I don’t like the rule, honestly, because I’m an all-rounder. Earlier you used to pick an all-rounder for both batting and bowling. Because of this rule, teams now prefer specialists.”There is a growing belief within the cricket community that this rule may hinder the development of all-rounders. However, officials indicated that any formal review of the rule would only be considered after the 2027 season.A franchise representative who attended the meeting confirmed: “It was discussed, and it was made clear to all of us that the impact player rule is to stay for at least two more seasons.”
