The 18th edition of IPL is scheduled to kick-off on March 22.
The BCCI has officially released the complete set of playing conditions for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to kick-off on Saturday (March 22).
This comes after the board held a Captains’, Coaches, and Managers’ meeting at its headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday (March 20) in an effort to discuss and incorporate the necessary rule changes and updates before the new season.
In the wake of the meeting, multiple new rules have been introduced with some major ones being updated accordingly.
Based on a common agreement among representatives of all 10 IPL teams, the following updates have been incorporated:
1. Saliva Ban Lifted
Effective from the IPL 2025 season, bowlers will be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. The ban on the use of saliva, which was originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been lifted.
2. Usage Of Second New Ball In Second Innings To Counteract Dew Factor
In a bid to help teams counteract the effect of dew late in the games, the BCCI has also introduced the use of a second new ball in the second innings of an IPL match after the 11th over.
“The bowling captain can make this request, regardless of whether there is visible dew or not. Once the request is made, the umpires will mandatorily replace the ball with another one of similar wear and tear. The bowling team will not have the liberty to choose the replacement ball," read a statement released by the BCCI.
“Additionally, the umpires retain the authority to change the ball at any time before the 10th over if it is deemed too wet, out of shape, lost, or damaged. If a captain requests a ball change in the 11th over due to it being out of shape, the umpires will evaluate the request and approve it if deemed necessary."
3. New Code Of Conduct, With A New Demerit Points System
The BCCI has also come up with a demerit points system and suspension points which will remain valid for 36 months.
Basically, acquiring a certain number of demerits will lead to subsequent punishment. The amount of demerit points issued will be dependent on the kind of offence committed.
Another point to note is that the punishment can be imposed for a specific period or matches and this is determined by the match referee.
4. HawkEye To Be Used To Track Wides
The BCCI has approved the use of Hawk-Eye technology to judge wides outside the off-stump and above the batter's head. The updated rules and regulations will assist umpires in making accurate and consistent decisions.