'Impact Player' Rule a Nightmare for Bowlers, Says SRH's Shahbaz Ahmed

The introduction of the 'Impact Player' rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has sparked debate, with some arguing that it benefits all-rounders while others believe it has created a nightmare for bowlers. Sunrisers Hyderabad's left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed falls into the latter camp, expressing concerns that the rule has given batters an unfair advantage.

Ahmed, who has played 12 games this season, has scored 186 runs at a strike rate of 138. However, his bowling has been less impressive, with only three wickets to his name at an economy rate of 10.60. He attributes this to the 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match.

"Now every team has nine batters, an all-rounder, and eight batters," Ahmed explained. "Teams are looking for players who can strike big from ball one and carry on the momentum. The 'Impact Player' rule has affected bowlers more than all-rounders because it gives batters the cushion to play freely."

Ahmed believes that teams have become more adept at using the 'Impact Player' as the season has progressed. This has led to a decline in the role of all-rounders, who are now getting fewer opportunities to bowl.

"The teams didn't know much about how to use it (Impact Player) last season," Ahmed said. "The all-rounders have a reduced role, which means they are getting lesser chances to bowl unlike earlier times when they used to bowl four overs."

Despite the challenges posed by the 'Impact Player' rule, Ahmed has praised the leadership of Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins. He credits Cummins with creating a stress-free environment in the dressing room, which has contributed to the team's success.

"If I talk about myself, whenever Pat throws the ball to me, he always backs me," Ahmed said. "This sort of helps me to soak in pressure well and even if the ball goes to the boundary, he doesn't say anything and keeps motivating all bowlers."

Ahmed also revealed that legendary cricketer Virat Kohli gifts him a bat every season. "Virat's bat is by far the best in terms of quality," Ahmed said. "His bat has the right balance and the ping is fabulous. In every IPL season, he has gifted me a willow. His bat really holds high value for me."

Tags: #IPL, #ImpactPlayer, #SunrisersHyderabad, #ShahbazAhmed, #PatCummins