Team India’s veteran pace bowler Zaheer Khan has made a return to IPL once again as the left arm pacer will be seen in a new role in Lucknow’s dugout in the upcoming IPL season. Zaheer khan has been appointed as the mentor of the side.
On the other hand BCCI is yet to decide the playing rules for the upcoming season which includes the number of retentions and impact player rule. However the former Indian pacer gave his stance on the impact player rule and wants it to continue in the IPL for the betterment of Indian cricket.
In his interaction with the reporters after being appointed as the mentor Zaheer khan said, “There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it.”
The BCCI introduced impact player rule in IPL 2023 and so far it has received mixed reactions from Franchises and the players.
Players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have clearly opposed the impact player rule as it hampers the balance of the game.
The BCCI also had its meeting with the franchise owners regarding the various rules in the IPL in the month of July however no decision was made after the meeting.
However Zaheer Khan feels that with the impact player rule it has given a major boost to Indian cricket
He spoke about how it has provided many chances to the young and unproven cricket players within India. “This is something we will witness when mega auction is held and team will put a look at them,” he said.
According to him, it’s really significant when it comes to enhancing Indian cricket from an overall perspective. Time spent on matches cannot be compared (to anything else). This is truly the most valuable aspect.
Presently, there isn’t enough room in view of the impact sub (rule) for any sort of half-allrounder as far as all-rounders are concerned. On the other hand, if you are an all-rounder par excellence, then no one has got what it takes to stop you. The person who can bat and bowl together would always add some value.
Zaheer took over the mentorship role from Gautam Gambhir who is now appointed as the new head Coach of Indian cricket team.
