An Impact Player is a tactical substitute in certain cricket leagues who can be brought into the game to replace a starting player at any time. This rule allows a team to adapt to the match situation, such as adding an extra batter during a difficult chase or a specialist bowler if the pitch is turning.
Example: The captain used the Impact Player rule to bring in a power-hitter for the final three overs of the innings.
Pro-Tip: This rule has completely changed team strategy, as coaches no longer have to pick a balanced ‘all-rounder’ if they can simply swap a specialist in or out. It makes the game more dynamic and allows for specialized roles to thrive under pressure.
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