Delhi Capitals pacer Kyle Jamieson joined an increasing number of players who criticized the IPL’s contentious Impact Player rule, claiming that it “takes a lot of the skill out of the game.”
The regulation, which permits teams to substitute a player from a list of five at any time during a match, has drawn criticism from a number of current and former cricket players.
Some contend that it hinders the growth of all-rounders, while others believe it has tipped the scales in favor of batters because teams can now attack for 20 overs with the safety net of an extra willow wielder at number eight.
“Personally, I’m not a fan of it. I think it takes a lot of the skill out of the game. I think if you can bat 9 or 10, you don’t have to have the same sort of batsmanship that you probably once had to have,” PTI quoted Jamieson as saying on Monday.
The Impact Player rule was implemented in 2023 and will be in effect through 2027.
Jamieson emphasized the importance of conventional all-around talents and emphasized that the idea is not common in international cricket.
“I think there’s something to be said around, especially all-rounders, guys that can bowl and bat and offer balance to a team that way. And it does take a little bit of that skill out of the game.”
The lanky Black Cap also brought up the fact that the “Impact Player” regulation is not applied in any other major league worldwide.
“You don’t see too many other places around the world or international cricket that have the Impact Player rule. It’s probably for a good reason,” he added.
Since teams are only allowed to field four foreign cricketers, Jamieson, who was acquired by the Delhi Capitals prior to the 2026 season, has not yet been in the starting lineup.
“Obviously, you want to play. Everyone here wants to be able to find a way to contribute to this team winning games. But equally, you’re very aware that only four overseas players can play. There’s class from one through to 20-odd and for me personally, there’s no better place to be in terms of getting better as a cricketer than the IPL.”
“So, it’s not like you need to play to get benefit from it. There’s still ways of contributing through trainings, through meetings, through helping around the boundary. For me, it’s just kind of the best place to be in terms of just growing your game, whether that’s on the park or off it.”
According to Jamieson, this season’s pitches have been more balanced than anticipated.
“We spent January here with New Zealand and it felt like a bowler’s graveyard. And at times during the T20 World Cup, it felt like that too. So, you’re a little bit nervous coming over, thinking you’re going to have two months of that.
“But the wickets have been a little bit more (helpful) (allowing) even (contest) between bat and ball. We’ve seen, obviously, a couple of high-scoring games. But equally, there’s been some games where there’s been some help and assistance. So, that’s obviously great for us, the bowling.”
During the series against South Africa, Jamieson made his comeback after a protracted injury layoff.
“I’ve had 15-16 months uninterrupted now where I’ve played pretty much everything. So the body is in a good place. Obviously, there was a bit of a niggly run with a couple of injuries, but I managed to find the root cause of those and fix that up. So I’m in a really good place now. It’s nice to be here and to be involved, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of months with this team.”
He discussed adjusting to the changing needs of Twenty20 cricket.
“I think it’s tricky. The game has moved forward a lot, especially from a batting perspective. Scores are getting higher and Powerplays are often the easiest time to score now. The key is not to move away from your strengths. You can get caught trying to do too much, which plays into the batter’s hands. You’re trying to mix pace, bounce and movement, and structure your overs so batters can’t predict what’s coming.”
