NEW DELHI: As the IPL mini auction draws closer, franchises are working overtime to figure out their combinations, keeping in mind the new 'impact player' regulation that the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has decided to implement from the next season of IPL. However, the 'impact player', a tactical substitution during a game, will only be applicable to Indian players.
When the BCCI had announced that it would implement the new rule, teams rejigged their auction plans. Now, the board has added a rider to the playing condition.
"The franchises have been told that only an Indian player can come in as a tactical substitution. An overseas player may be substituted but only an Indian player can come in for him. The board wants to promote Indian talent and this will mean that a team can't play more than four overseas players in a match," a source told TOI on Wednesday, two days ahead of the auction in Kochi.
There was a lot of talk about franchises likely to chase pace-bowling allrounders at the auction. The 'impact player' regulation had given them more breathing space when it comes to picking specialists. However, their plans have somewhat been disturbed by the new stipulation. Since there is a dearth of Indian fast-bowling allrounders, most franchises would be gunning for the likes of Sam Curran, Cameron Green, Ben Stokes and Jason Holder.
"There is immense interest in these allrounders. But the 'impact player' option can also work for them if franchises miss out on their services. Franchises have been looking for proper Indian seam-bowling allrounders but now they don't really have to worry about it," the source said.
The BCCI's new playing conditions state that teams will have to name the playing XI and four substitutes at the time of toss. However, only one substitute per team can be used in the game. The substitute can be brought into p lay by the 14th over of an innings.
Green likely to hit jackpot
While the focus will be on the Ben Stokes, Australia's allrounder Cameron Green is likely to draw huge interest during the auction. TOI understands that there are some concern s over Stokes' availability right through the season given he will be leading England in the Ashes right after IPL. In that scenario, some franchises are ready to splurge big chunk of their purse on Green.
Ray of hope for Ishant
TOI has also learnt that a few franchises are interested in Ishant Sharma. "He has bowled well in the two white-ball domestic tournaments. He has been focusing on his white-ball game after getting dropped from the Test team. His experience is invaluable," the source said.
