From impact player to new DRS rule: Here are the rule changes for 2023 Indian T20 League

ITL (Image credit: Twitter)

The 16th edition of the Indian T20 League is set to begin on Friday evening at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad when defending champions Gujarat take on four-time champions Chennai. Fans' excitement is high this time as the world's best T20 cricket league returns to the old style of all 10 franchises hosting games at their respective venues.

However, with the Indian Cricket Board deciding to add some flavour to the cash-rich league, this season will witness some firsts. Let's take a look at what new rule changes will be introduced in the upcoming two-month-long tournament.

Impact Player & Playing XI

One of the main features of the new season is the introduction of the Impact Player rule. Teams are allowed to substitute a player into the playing XI at any point in the game. Captains can submit the playing XIs to the match referee after the toss instead of before it.

Each team can name up to five impact players per game, but only one is permitted to take the field as a substitute. A non-Indian player is not allowed to replace an Indian player if the team already has 4 overseas players in their playing XI. Teams can field 3 foreign players in their first playing XI and substitute one foreign player, later, in the game.

DRS can be used for wides and no-balls

The new change in DRS rules was introduced in the, recently concluded, Women's T20 League and will be featured in the men's league as well. From this season, players can challenge wide balls and no balls, called by the on-field umpires. Given the controversies in the last few seasons, the cricket board's move is welcome.

Unfair movement

Wicket-keepers are not allowed to make any movements behind the stumps before the batter hits the ball. Any such incident will be considered as 'unfair movement' and will be penalised.

Penalty for slow over-rates

There will be an instant penalty for slow over-rates. Teams must complete their 20-over quota within 90 minutes, otherwise, an extra player must be placed inside the 30-yard circle over every over bowled beyond the time limit.