Reports: BCCI looking into two-bouncer rule ahead of IPL and SMAT 2025

As per the latest reports, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is looking to revisit the two-bouncer rule ahead of the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and the IPL 2025. The rule was earlier implemented on a trial basis in India’s domestic competitions before it was put in the IPL 2024. 

The second bouncer has been a blessing for the bowlers, providing an extra asset against pitches with nothing to offer. Currently, only one bouncer per over is allowed in international cricket. 

Furthermore, the impact player rule has been discussed thoroughly as well with various franchises to players giving differing opinions on the Impact Player rule. However, it is yet to be seen whether the two bouncer rule and the impact player rule will be continued in the domestic tournaments, which could see them continue in the IPL as well. The impact player rule has been in heavy discussion as of late, due to many instances of very high totals being scored and chased in the IPL.

"We understand that Impact Player and two bouncer rules are the key points, and no decision has been taken," an official of a state was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Furthermore, the BCCI is yet to release their rulings for the two rules. The board also released the playing conditions for several domestic tournaments ahead of time, but it did not include the playing conditions for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

"Impact Player is like a test case. We have implemented it slowly. The biggest advantage of it is that two Indian players are getting a chance [in each game], which is the most important," Jay Shah had recently said. 

The rules and retention plans are expected to be finalised by the early stages of September 2024. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is all set to begin from November 23 and will run until December 15.