Mitchell Starc believes absence of Impact player rule in IPL will make captains play more strategically

Mitchell Starc, the Kolkata Knight Riders and Australia pacer, believes that the absence of the Impact player rule from the Indian Premier League will lead to more strategic gameplay from captains in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the Americas.

The Impact player rule, introduced last year, allowed teams to bat with greater boldness and fearlessness, resulting in high-scoring matches with totals exceeding 200 on a regular basis. This year’s IPL has seen at least three instances of totals surpassing 250.

Starc, who played a key role in KKR’s recent victory over Mumbai Indians, emphasized the impact of the rule on team composition and gameplay. He noted that the rule allowed for a longer batting lineup and eliminated the fear in the powerplay, leading to some exceptional batting performances.

However, Starc acknowledged that the absence of such a rule in the T20 World Cup may affect the scoring patterns and results. He highlighted the importance of team balance and tactical thinking for captains when they have just 11 players to work with.

Despite being the subject of high expectations after being purchased for a record-breaking amount, Starc stated that he does not feel any pressure and is solely focused on helping KKR achieve their goal of winning the IPL.

As he prepares for the T20 World Cup, Starc sees the IPL as a valuable opportunity to test his skills against top players and get ready for the global tournament. His main focus remains on contributing to KKR’s success in the IPL before shifting his attention to the World Cup next month.