Mitchell Starc Says ‘Impact Player Rule Changes Things, Captains Have to Think Tactically’, Ahead of T20 World Cup

May 4, 2024 0 887

Mitchell Starc opined that T20 World Cup might see lower scores and more tactical captaincy due to the absence of the IPL’s Impact Player rule.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc shared that the absence of the IPL’s “Impact Player” rule in the upcoming T20 World Cup could lead to more tactical captaincy decisions compared to the high-scoring matches witnessed in the IPL this season.

The Impact Player rule, introduced last year, allows teams to name an extra player who can be brought into the match during a specific window, potentially altering team strategy. This rule has been credited with encouraging more aggressive batting and higher totals in the IPL.

“The impact player rule changes things a fair bit. Everyone gets to bat a lot deeper because you have a designated batting and bowling lineup,” Starc said after KKR’s win against the Mumbai Indians.

Starc acknowledged the rule’s contribution to the high-scoring encounters this season, where teams have consistently surpassed 200 runs. “There’s no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is clear the infield and score runs. But there have also been some fantastic batting displays, it’s not just the rule,” he added.

Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Starc expects the lack of the Impact Player rule to potentially impact scoring. “We’ll have to wait and see how it affects the scores. Captains will have to think more tactically with just 11 players available. This has been interesting to experience firsthand in the IPL,” said Starc.

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Starc, who faced his share of aggressive batting this season, downplayed any pressure associated with his hefty price tag of Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL auction. “I didn’t set my price tag, so it is what it is,” he said.

The upcoming T20 World Cup will see Starc reunite with many of the players he has faced in the IPL. “The IPL is a great preparation for the World Cup. You’re playing high-quality cricket against players you’ll face again soon. However, my main focus right now is helping KKR win the tournament,” quipped the 34-year-old left-arm pacer.