Sachin Tendulkar suggests IPL rules' shake-up, wants impact player rule axed: 'It needs to go away'

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wants the controversial Impact Player rule to be scrapped from the tournament and recommended certain rule changes to generate balance in the game.

Sachin Tendulkar has urged the scrapping of the controversial Impact Player rule in IPL and also proposed adjustments to the tournament's rules. Image: Reuters

FirstCricket Staff|May 31, 2026, 18:14:48 IST

Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has recommended certain rule changes in the Indian Premier League and wants the controversial Impact Player rule scrapped.

The Impact Player rule was introduced in 2023, allowing teams to substitute any player from their playing XI with one from their substitutes list at any point of the match.

The move, intended to add some tactical flexibility, has faced criticism from cricketers and experts over the years. Tendulkar urged its abolition to bring the balance between bat and ball in the tournament.

Tendulkar: 'The impact player needs to go away'

Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo awards, Tendulkar said the rule unfairly strengthens batting line-ups in a format where bowlers are already under pressure.

Tendulkar recommends IPL rule changes

Tendulkar also proposed adjustments to the powerplay rules, suggesting a split format by implementing a bowling powerplay in the existing batting one. The move could provide the bowlers with better control of the game.

"(In) the powerplay of six overs with field restrictions, only two fielders are allowed outside the ring. Let the first four overs be batters' powerplay with the same field restrictions. Post that, the remaining two powerplay overs should be determined by the fielding captain as and when he wants to take. Those two consecutive overs will also get one fielder extra outside the ring at any stage of the game, so you (the fielding side) are able to control the game better," Tendulkar added.

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Additionally, the Indian batting icon recommended increasing the bowling quota, saying, "One bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs," allowing the team to use its premier bowler for a longer spell.

Tendulkar kept his argument, saying, "Top batters are batting sometimes even 20 overs," and wants a similar advantage for the bowling unit as well.

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