Captains cautioned about 'incomplete' catches in the IPL

IPL team captains have been cautioned about fielder movement before and after completing a catch for the upcoming season. Teams have been specifically told a fielder must have full control of the ball and his body before a catch is deemed complete.

Clause 33.3 of the Playing Conditions states: "The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder's person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his own movement."

At a BCCI meeting, captains were shown video clips of several catches, some from the recent T20 World Cup, which were deemed unfair. Officials stressed that a fielder's body must be under complete control for the catch to be considered valid, and this rule will be strictly enforced. Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon addressed this segment.

Captains were also informed the Impact Player rule will remain for at least another season. BCCI and IPL officials told captains and managers there will be no immediate review of the provision.

One IPL captain, Axar Patel, has openly opposed the rule: "I don't like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you would pick an allrounder for batting and bowling. Because of this rule, the team management goes for a particular batsman or bowler, thinking 'Why do we need an allrounder?'"

The prevailing view is the rule impedes all-rounder development. However, BCCI and IPL officials indicated any review will only be considered after the 2027 season.

A franchise member who attended the meeting said: "It was discussed, and it was made clear to all of us that the Impact Player rule is here to stay for at least two more seasons."