New Delhi: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 prepares to kick off on March 22, cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement over the significant rule changes set to enhance the game’s dynamics. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced several key modifications aimed at ensuring a more balanced and thrilling competition. Among these changes, the lifting of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball in the second innings stand out as pivotal decisions.
The BCCI has reinstated the use of saliva to shine the cricket ball, a practice that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move is expected to benefit bowlers, particularly pacers, by allowing them to exploit swing and reverse swing once again. The decision was influenced by player feedback, notably from Mohammed Shami, and reflects a broader consensus among team captains.
In a bid to ease the pressure on captains, the BCCI has revised penalties for slow over-rates. Instead of facing match bans, captains will now receive demerit points, with bans reserved for extreme cases. This change aims to reduce the stress on team leaders while maintaining the importance of timely gameplay.
The Impact Player rule, introduced in IPL 2023, will continue in the 2025 season. This rule allows teams to make strategic substitutions during matches, adding a layer of complexity and strategy to the game.
To mitigate the impact of dew on night games, teams will be allowed to use a second ball in the second innings after the 11th over. This decision, subject to the umpire’s discretion, aims to maintain a fair balance between bat and ball by ensuring that bowlers can grip the ball effectively.
IPL 2025 will also see the integration of HawkEye technology to track wides, enhancing the accuracy of decision-making. This technological advancement will help in making more precise calls, particularly for height wides and those outside the off-stump.
