Mumbai: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season set to begin on March 22, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced several significant rule changes following a meeting with franchise captains and referees at its headquarters in Mumbai. The updates, including the lifting of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball for night matches, are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the tournament.
📸 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗧𝗦 🤩
Wholesome day with the 🔟 #TATAIPL Captains before what promises to be a rollercoaster journey ahead🎢 pic.twitter.com/Im4miVZkV3
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 20, 2025
Key Rule Changes for IPL 2025
Saliva Ban Revoked
In a major shift, the BCCI has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, a restriction that was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following discussions with captains, many of whom supported the move, players will now be allowed to use saliva again, a decision expected to impact the game significantly by aiding conventional and reverse swing.
Second Ball to Counter Dew Factor
To address the challenges posed by dew in night matches, the BCCI has introduced a second ball rule, which will come into effect after the 11th over of the second innings. Umpires will have the discretion to implement this change based on dew conditions, ensuring a more balanced contest by reducing the advantage teams gain from winning the toss.
Impact Player Rule Retained
The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute one player during a match, will continue at least until 2027. While some players, including Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, have previously voiced concerns about the tactical implications of this rule, it has also created opportunities for emerging talent to get playing time in high-pressure games.
DRS Expansion for Wides
In a move aimed at improving officiating accuracy, the Decision Review System (DRS) will now include reviews for wides based on height and those outside the off-stump. Hawk-Eye technology and ball tracking will assist umpires in making these calls, adding another layer of precision to the decision-making process.
Captains exempt from match bans
Captains will no longer face a ban for slow over rates .Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya had received a one-match ban after the team’s last encounter in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for maintaining a slow over-rate.
With these rule changes, IPL 2025 is set to bring new strategic challenges for teams while ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing environment.
