What is the Impact Player rule in IPL? The Impact Player rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. The basic idea behind this rule is to allow one substitute player per team to play an active part in matches with bat or ball. An Impact Player is different from the regular substitution rule in international cricket which allows a substitute fielder to replace an injured player on the field, but they cannot bat or bowl in the match. Although, a concussion substitute in international cricket can bat and bowl, it's an injury forced substitution rather than a tactical move, like the Impact Player rule. In case of the Impact Player rule, the IPL allows teams to name five substitute players in addition to their Playing XI. After the match starts, captains of both teams can nominate any one of the five substitutes to replace one of their players from the XI. This can be done at the start of an inning, at the end of an over, at a fall of a wicket or when the batter retires.