Indian Premier League continues to progress as the leading T20 competition globally, but former India cricketer and well-known analyst Aakash Chopra believes there’s still scope for progress. As IPL 2026 approaches, Chopra has suggested five rule adjustments that could make the competition more captivating, calculated, and impartial for all involved parties.
Each year, the IPL presents new ideas to improve the spectator experience and competitive equilibrium. Nevertheless, Chopra contends that the competition can achieve even greater milestones with calculated rule changes that tackle present restrictions while injecting new thrill into each contest.
Aakash Chopra’s five revolutionary proposals for IPL 2026
- Additional mark system for convincing triumphs
Chopra’s most notable suggestion entails introducing an additional mark system to acknowledge teams for outstanding displays. Presently, the IPL depends significantly on Net Run Rate (NRR) for playoff qualification, which frequently doesn’t offer immediate satisfaction for remarkable victories.
His suggested system would award additional marks when teams accomplish convincing triumphs by specific extents – such as restricting opponents to 20% below the targeted score or chasing down scores in considerably fewer overs. For instance, if a team records 200 runs, preventing the opposition under 160 would secure an additional mark, or chasing 200 runs in just 16 overs would trigger the identical reward.
“Teams will arrive on odd marks and it will become a little more thrilling,” Chopra clarified on his YouTube channel, observing that this system could keep struggling teams in competition throughout the tournament, as a succession of additional-mark victories could compensate for earlier defeats.
- Substitution for injuries beyond concussion
Building on the current concussion substitute regulation, Chopra advocates for expanding replacement options to encompass serious injuries. The BCCI already executes similar clauses in first-class cricket, and Chopra trusts the IPL should lead the way as “trend setters” in international cricket.
This regulation would avert circumstances where players are compelled to continue despite significant injuries, guaranteeing both player welfare and competitive integrity. The substitution would function correspondingly to concussion replacements, permitting like-for-like player swaps when serious injuries occur during contests.
- Improved mid-season transfer process
While mid-season transfers already exist in IPL regulations, Chopra notes they are “never utilized” successfully. His solution entails making unused players automatically accessible for transfer after eight matches if they haven’t been included in the main 16-member squad.
Under this system, each franchise would be obligated to nominate three such players, creating opportunities for underutilized talent to contribute elsewhere. This would assist in “bringing unused resources to the table to uplift the tournament’s standard“, ensuring that promising players don’t waste entire seasons on the bench.
- Refined leg-side wide regulation
Chopra’s fourth proposal addresses what many deem excessively strict leg-side wide calls. Presently, even minimal deviations outside the leg stump result in wide balls, which can feel unjust to bowlers and disrupt game flow.
His suggestion involves utilizing specific field markings to determine leg-side wides more accurately. Only deliveries distinctly crossing designated lines would be called wide, providing more consistent and fair officiating while upholding the equilibrium between bat and ball.
- Power surge innovation from Big Bash League
Finally, Chopra suggests embracing the Big Bash League‘s Power Surge regulation, which permits batting teams to take two additional powerplay overs at any juncture after the 10th over of their innings.
This tactical element would add strategic depth to batting approaches, permitting teams to time their power surges for maximum impact. Combined with the additional marks system, teams could utilize power surges to push for commanding victories and additional marks.
Impact on tournament dynamics
These suggested changes would fundamentally transform IPL strategy and entertainment value. The additional marks system alone could sustain competitive interest throughout the tournament, guaranteeing that no team is mathematically eliminated too early. Meanwhile, improved transfer regulations would maximize talent utilization across all franchises.
The combination of refined officiating through the leg-side wide regulation and tactical innovations like the Power Surge would create a more dynamic, strategic tournament that rewards both planning and execution while upholding the excitement that makes the IPL special.
