IPL 2026: What is the Impact Player rule? The Impact Player rule, first introduced in the 2023 edition, will continue to be a part of the IPL. The rule allows players to name a substitute during a match, adding a strategic element to the game. A team has to name their Impact Player from the pool of five players' names before the start of every game. The captains of both teams can introduce an Impact Player during the natural breaks of the game. These include the start of an innings, the end of an over, the fall of a wicket, or when a batter retires. Read more: Explained: IPL Impact Player, the substitution system that debuted in IPL 2023 Generally, they have to be Indian unless a franchise has not already filled their XI with the maximum allowed quota of four overseas players before the start of the match. It is to be noted that a player who is replaced by the Impact Player can no longer take part in the match. Though concussion subs can bat or bowl during a match, it is an injury-forced substitution compared to the Impact Player rule, which is a tactical one. Read more: Why the Impact Player is not really a villain for India's all-rounders Who was the first Impact Player in IPL? D