Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has stated that he is against the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, the much-debated rule has been in effect in the cash-rich league since the 2023 season.
Most recently, former IPL captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have voiced their displeasure with the rule. Speaking to the former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra on YouTube, Raina stated that the contest between bat and ball has turned out to be a bit lopsided, with batters dominating.
“I am against the Impact player rule. A lot of fit players also bat and just sit down. How will you improve? There is no such rule in the World Cup. I understand the entertainment factor, but there is nothing left for the bowlers. Earlier, 170 was a competitive score, but now 250 is being chased as well. Even 300 is possible,” Raina told Aakash Chopra.
“Leave something for the bowlers. There is no wicket-taking option. The batters don’t get out, and with extra batters, there will be pressure on the bowlers,” he added.
Further, Raina added that the Indian players shouldn’t be allowed to play in overseas leagues, adding that the IPL is far superior to other overseas franchise leagues.
“I feel Indian players should not be allowed now. Our league has become very big. When we used to go on Australia and England tours before, I used to ask this. I had come close to playing as well, but then they said no,” said Raina.
“Now, a lot of outside players come here, and the quality of foreign leagues has also gone down. Back then, I would have definitely said yes. But at this time, we are ruling the world. Cricket is going somewhere else, and our team is very solid,” he concluded.
