Rahane wants IPL Impact Player rule scrapped, Karthik backs retention through 2027

Ajinkya Rahane has called for the removal of the IPL's Impact Player rule, warning it is harming the development of all-rounders in Indian cricket. Speaking to m9.news, the former India batter said the rule gives teams too much flexibility to field an extra specialist instead of relying on dual-skilled players, and recalled that several IPL captains opposed it at a meeting. The rule is set to remain in place until 2027.

In contrast, RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik has argued for retaining the rule through the 2027 season, telling Cricbuzz that scrapping it now would unfairly disadvantage teams that planned their squads around having 12 players. Karthik acknowledged the rule reduces all-rounder opportunities but said any change should come after the current cycle ends. The BCCI has yet to announce a decision on the rule's future beyond 2027.