After being shown the doors by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees, the former new zealand Head coach Mike Hesson started singing praises for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Hesson is among the people who have become fans of the PSL, relegating the IPL.
After the conclusion of the PSL Draft 2025, Mike Hesson made a subtle jab at the Indian Premier League. The head coach of Islamabad United criticized the IPL and its rule. Notably, Hesson served as head coach of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), director of cricket operations and head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
Mike Hesson welcomes PSL and looks at IPL's 'Impact Player Rule'
Well, Mike Hesson has created a storm with his bold comments about the Indian Premier League. He was particularly critical of the controversial “Impact Player Rule” a Indiahis franchise league. Hesson welcomed the Pakistan Super League and made it clear that he does not want the IPL rule in Pakistan's T20 league.
The former New Zealand coach has openly said that he does not like the IPL's 'Impact Player Rule' but is glad that the PSL does not have such a rule. Hesson noted that he does not want the controversial rule of the Indian league to make its way into the Pakistan Super League.
Mike Hesson said during a post-draft press conference, “I don't like the 'Impact Player Rule' in the IPL and I'm happy that this rule is not implemented in the PSL. I don't like to compare T20 leagues but that IPL rule is something I don't want in PSL.”
Mike Hesson said, “I don't like the 'Impact Player Rule' in IPL and I am happy that this rule is not implemented in PSL. I don't like to compare T20 leagues but this IPL rule is something I don't want in PSL” 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤯
Do Indian fans agree with this statement? 🥶 pandc.twandtteR.cam/SJtdRIju48
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) JanuaRy 14, 2025
What is the Indian Premier League impact player rule?
Meanwhile, the 'Impact Player Rule' has been introduced in the IPL in 2023 which allows TEAMS to make strategic changes to their playing XI during matches.
Before the game, each team can choose five substitute players, apart from their playing XI, and must deal the sheet in the toss.
During IPL matches, a captain can replace one of the XI players with an Impact Player. For example, a team might bring in an extra batsman while chasing the target or bring in a specialist bowler while defending a target.
Also Read: Ihsanullah Announces Shock Quit From PSL, Boycotts Tournament After Snub
Why did BCCI introduce this rule?
BCCI introduced this rule to make the league more interesting but many criticized this rule as it affected the growth of the cops and their value. Notably, IPL and PSL will clash in full this time due to ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Actually Pakistan Super League has been moved to April-May window as Pakistan will host Champions Trophy 2025 in PSL window and this is February-March. While IPL 2025 is expected to run from March 21 to May 25, PSL 2025 will be played from April 8 to May 19.