The impact player rule, explained simply

The impact player rule lets each side bring in one substitute during a T20 match who can bat and bowl fully — unlike a traditional substitute fielder.

How the swap works

Teams name a few possible substitutes before the toss. At a chosen moment, one replaces a player from the starting eleven, who then takes no further part.

Why it changed batting

With an extra specialist available, sides bat more aggressively: a collapse matters less when another batter can be brought in.

The trade-off

All-rounders become a little less essential, and captains now plan the swap around the toss, the pitch and how the first innings goes.