'It's Hard For An All-rounder': Marcus Stoinis Expresses Reservations Over IPL's Contentious Impact Player Rule

Marcus Stoinis, Punjab Kings' 35-year-old all-rounder has voiced his reservations over the Impact Player rule in the IPL as it decreases the significance of all-rounders in the league. The Australian cricketer, who is an all-rounder, believes it has an impact on the progress of young contestants who possess all-around skills in the game.

Marcus Stoinis Echoes Rohit & Hardik's Sentiments Over Impact Player Rule

The Impact Player rule has been one of the hotly debated subjects which irks a lot of cricketers in the IPL. While it adds a pinch of excitement, it hasn't been a pleasant rule for the sides on certain occasions. A couple of Indian cricketers — Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma have expressed their scepticism, and Marcus Stoinis joins them as he criticizes the rule.

"To be honest, I think it does diminish the usefulness of an all-rounder. And it does mean that it's very hard for an all-rounder to get into the team unless you're used as the impact player. I would think for Indian cricket, you'd want to develop your all-rounders as fast as possible," Marcus Stoinis said, as quoted by PTI.

Also Read: 'It’s Just The First Match': Rohit Sharma Tipped To Find His Form After Horror Start Against CSK

Stionis Backs Up BCCI Over Two-Year Suspension

While Stoinis did not hold back over the Impact Player rule, the Aussie backed up the BCCI to implement a two-year ban on the overseas stars who pull out of the IPL tournament at the last minute. The all-rounder said that the ban makes sense as the franchises are building the team around certain individuals and once they take themselves out, it disrupts their plans.  

"Look, once you're committed and in such a big competition where teams are building around individuals and that sort of thing, it (the ban) does make sense if it's still worked in conjunction with the person that's pulling out," Stoinis added. 

Stoinis is expected to be seen in action when Punjab Kings will be in action against the Gujarat Titans in an away match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.  

Also Read: IPL 2025: Players Under The Scanner As BCCI Expand Fourth Umpire's Responsibilities In Cash-Rich League, New Duties Explained