The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved the participation of both India’s men’s and women’s teams at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, scheduled for September-October.
In light of the ODI World Cup taking place simultaneously, it is anticipated that a second-string men’s team will be sent, while a full-strength women’s side will represent India in the tournament. The men’s event is set to commence on September 28, with the women’s competition starting on September 19. Notably, India did not field a team during previous editions of the Asian Games`.
However, in accordance with Government of India’s directives, the BCCI’s apex council has decided to send both teams this time. Finalisation of the men’s and women’s squads is expected to take place by July 15.
Another development during the apex council meeting was the introduction of the IPL-style Impact Player rule, which will be implemented during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) commencing on October 16. The BCCI has approved this change, allowing teams to designate four substitutes in addition to the playing eleven prior to the toss, mirroring the IPL format.
Among the four substitutes, only one can be utilised as the Impact Player. Although opinions on the future of this rule were divided, it made a significant impact during the IPL 2023 season.
As per SMAT guidelines, both teams are permitted to use one Impact Player in a match, but it is not mandatory. In the previous season, the BCCI had introduced the ‘Impact Player’ rule for SMAT, but it had to be exercised before the completion of the 14th over, and the teams were required to designate the player prior to the toss.