Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- Much criticised by cricketers and coaches yet quietly backed by organising and commercial stakeholders of the Indian Premier League, the Impact Player rule is set to continue, at least for another year.

No official communication has been sent to the franchises, but HT learns that their ongoing trade discussions and forward planning for next month's player auction is based on the understanding that the Impact Player rule will stay for IPL 2027.

"The next edition will be the last before a mega auction cycle and a rule change now would be too late for the teams. It's unlikely there would be any change," an IPL official told HT.

In August, IPL had sought the views of franchises about the Impact Player. "At least four team...