The Indian Premier League (IPL) has approved the use of Hawk-Eye technology for the 2025 edition to judge wides outside the off-stump and above the batter's head, ESPNCricinfo reported.

This rule, which will help in eradicating subjectivity in umpiring decisions, has been conveyed to all 10 captains during a pre-season meeting in Mumbai on Thursday (March 20).

The same technology that was used to assess over-the-waist no-balls in IPL 2024 will now be implemented for over-the-head wides.

The ball-tracking technology, which includes Hawk-Eye, will evaluate the ball's height as it crosses the batter at the popping crease and compare it to the batter's toe-to-head height in an upright stance.

Each player's head height will be recorded in the database. The subjective factor in determining wides will be eliminated this season, as the IPL has decided that the wide guideline--typically in blue--will shift along with the batter. The Hawk-Eye system will automatically measure both the extent of the batter's movement and the corresponding shift in the guideline.

In addition, several other rule changes have been introduced for IPL 2025, which include lifting the ban on using saliva to shine the ball. To address the impact of dew in evening matches, a second new ball will also be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings.  

While these rule changes have been shared with the IPL captains, the BCCI has yet to officially release the complete set of playing conditions for the 2025 season.

The 18th edition of IPL is scheduled to kick-off on Saturday (March 22), with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens.

(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)