The Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League is working at the moment but it could pose issues for the development of all-rounders at some stage, reckons New Zealand and Gujarat Titans all-rounder Glenn Phillips.
The cricketing world seemed divided in the debate over the rule, but the BCCI has extended it to at least the 2027 edition.
It essentially gives teams the license to go hard from ball one with the cushion of an extra batter in the form of an Impact Player. Similarly, teams can also bring in a specialist bowler instead of an all-rounder.
"I'm neither here nor there for it. It definitely allows a lineup to do different things. But I do feel like there could be an issue at some stage with all-rounders losing out and not being so prevalent, which then obviously has an impact on international game, international T20s, and international one-dayers," the Blackcaps cricketer said.
"So for now, it's a great entertaining brand of cricket. So, obviously, the impact player rule is working at the moment, but then they could very well have another rule that comes in and go off with the impact player rule and bring another entertainment element into the game," said Phillips, arguably the best fielder in the modern game.
Last season, Rohit Sharma said he was not a fan of the rule as it hinders the growth of Indian all-rounders. Ahead of the 2025 edition, Hardik Pandya said it was difficult to draft a developing all-rounder in the starting eleven unless one is a pure all-rounder like him.
Phillips also backed the lifting of saliva ban ahead of the IPL 2025.
"You know, we've brought saliva back this year, which obviously will enhance reverse swing. The bowlers need to be able to have something going for them if there's an extra batter going around.
"So I think that's what the IPL has done really well. So not necessarily the impact player per se, but the rules that they changed to keep it fresh and new," he added.
Now, the bowlers can use saliva to polish the ball in the league, to try and get some reverse swing going at least in the business end of an innings.
On the two-year ban imposed by the BCCI for last minute pullouts of foreign players from the IPL, Phillips said it was fair enough.
"At the end of the day, they warned people, if you come in and you decide to go, that they knew about the rules to start. If the rules weren't there, I think it would be a bit harsh, but the rule is there."
Harry Brook was banned from the IPL for the current and next season following his late withdrawal.
Surprisingly, Phillips did not make Gujarat Titans debut in the team's opening game against Punjab Kings but considering the form he is in, he might get to play against Mumbai Indians on Saturday.
The New Zealander is looking forward to spending time with GT captain Shubman Gill.
"We had a team dinner the other night and I had a good catch up with him. We've obviously played against each other quite a few times, but it was nice to get to know him on a more personal level and find out the things he likes to do, but then obviously also the way he thinks about the game as well.
"It'd be a bit of an unfortunate situation if I don't use his knowledge and his ability to try and improve on my own game as well.
"He's been a phenomenal player for so many years at such a young age, so to be able to understand his brain and how he works would be a great opportunity," said Phillips, who has also been part of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.
Talking about his new team, he said: "Arriving here, you know, the management were super incredible to work with, the players themselves invited me in straight away and I've really enjoyed the way trainings have functioned.
"Ashish Bhai (Nehra) is unbelievable, the energy he brings is pretty phenomenal and the whole crew has been fantastic so far. So, yeah, it's, I mean, as far to say as it's probably my favourite franchise so far," he added.
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