‘Takes skill out of the game’: DC pacer Jamieson questions IPL impact player rule

Capitals pacer Kyle Jamieson has added his voice to the growing debate around the IPL’s Impact Player rule , saying the innovation takes away an important element of skill from the game. The rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to substitute a player from a list of five during a match, giving sides the flexibility to add an extra batter or bowler depending on the situation.

Speaking ahead of Delhi Capitals’ clash with Gujarat Titans , the New Zealand fast bowler said he was personally not in favour of the concept, arguing that it changes the traditional balance of the sport.

“I’m personally not a fan of it. I think it takes a lot of the skill out of the game,” Jamieson said during a media interaction. According to him, teams are now able to extend their batting line-up much deeper, which reduces the pressure on lower-order players to develop strong batting skills.

Jamieson noted that in earlier formats of the game, players batting at number nine or ten still needed a certain level of batting ability. However, with the option of bringing in an additional batter through the Impact Player rule, teams can now rely more on specialists rather than versatile cricketers.

The tall Kiwi pacer also stressed the importance of all-rounders , saying players who can contribute with both bat and ball bring balance to a team. He pointed out that international cricket and most other major T20 leagues around the world do not follow such a rule , suggesting there may be good reasons for sticking to traditional team structures.

Despite criticism from several players and experts, the BCCI has decided that the rule will remain in place until at least the 2027 season .

Jamieson, who joined Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 IPL season , is yet to feature in the playing XI due to the limit of four overseas players per match . However, he said the IPL remains one of the best environments for cricketers to learn and improve, even when they are not playing regularly.