“If you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you” – Zaheer Khan backs Impact Player Rule to continue in the IPL

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has put his weight behind the Impact Player rule to continue in the Indian Premier League. Khan reckons if you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you from rising through the ranks.

The impact player rule has been criticized by many experts, stating it takes away the role of the all-rounders from the team as it provides an option of an extra batter and bowler to every team.

Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan has been appointed as Lucknow Super Giant’s mentor for the upcoming season of the IPL.

Zaheer Khan said at an LSG event in Kolkata, “As far as all-rounders are concerned, there is no space for a half-all-rounder because of the impact sub. But if you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you. There will always be a value addition if you have that kind of ability with bat and ball.”

Khan added he is up for the impact player rule as it gives an extra opportunity to India’s uncapped players.

“I am for it (Impact Player rule). It has given chances to a lot of uncapped Indian players. You will see that in this mega auction when teams will be looking at them. The opportunity goes a long way toward improving Indian cricket as a whole,” Zaheer stated.

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin also gave his vote of confidence to the impact player rule, stating it gives little more value to strategy.

Ashwin said on Kris Srikkanth’s YouTube Channel, “Why I think the Impact Player rule is not so bad is because it gives a little more value for strategy. The other side of that argument is it doesn’t encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them. In this generation, they don’t do it [batters bowling and vice-versa]. It’s not like they’re discouraged because of the Impact Player rule.”

IPL 2025 mega auction will reportedly take place in December.