The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is going to start on March 22 and fans are very excited to know the key changes in the game rules. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently conducted a meeting with all team captains and match officials in Mumbai,where they approved new IPL 2025 rules.
These changes will bring fairness and fun for both players and fans. Some of the major changes include allowing saliva to shine the ball again, using a second ball during evening matches, and keeping the Impact Player rule. Also, the Decision Review System (DRS) now includes reviews for height and off-side wide calls. Let’s look at these important changes.
Key Changes in IPL 2025 Rules
1. Saliva Ban Lifted
One of the major changes in IPL 2025 rule is that players can now use saliva to shine the ball again. This rule was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep things clean and safe on the field. After meeting with the players, the BCCI decided to lift the ban. Many bowlers, especially fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee, said that not being able to use saliva made it harder to get swing and reverse swing, which is important for the game.
With this ban lifted, bowlers can create more movement in the air which will bring more excitement in the game between batters and bowlers. This decision is expected to bring back traditional skills for fast bowlers, especially in Test matches and longer formats, even though it’s still important in T20 cricket.
2. Use of Second Ball in Night Matches
Another big change is that a second ball will be used in the second half of evening matches. At night, heavy dew makes it hard for bowlers, especially spinners, to grip the ball correctly. This gives an unfair edge to the team batting second, making it tough for bowlers to control the game. To solve this, the BCCI has decided to use a new ball after the 11th over of the second half.
The umpire has the power to decide if the ball change is needed based on the conditions. This change aims to make the game fairer, so the toss doesn’t give one team too much advantage in matches affected by dew.
3. Continuation of the Impact Player Rule
The Impact Player rule, which was started in the IPL 2023 season, will still be used in the tournament. This rule allows teams to replace one player during the game, allowing them to change their strategy based on what’s happening in the match.
The Impact Player rule has had mixed feedback from players and coaches. Some, like Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, are worried about how complicated the rule is, but many like that it gives chances to young and uncapped players to show their skills. The BCCI has decided to keep this rule until 2027, so teams can keep using this strategy.
4. DRS Expanded for Height and Off-Side Wides
The Decision Review System (DRS) has been improved to allow the players to challenge calls about high balls and wide balls outside the off-stump. Before, DRS only checked for dismissals like caught behind, LBW, and stumpings.
Now, players can review wide balls and high bouncers, which often cause disagreements. With these new reviews, technology like Hawk-Eye and ball tracking will help umpires make better decisions. This change aims to reduce mistakes and make the game fairer and more consistent.
Conclusion
As the IPL 2025 season is closer, everyone will be watching to see how these new rules affect the tournament. The BCCI wants to make the league fairer and more balanced, which should improve the experience for both players and fans. With these updates, IPL 2025 is expected to be a thrilling and unpredictable season with many exciting moments.
