The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a set of significant changes for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the league continues to evolve and adapt, the new set of rules aims to enhance the quality of the game, improve player safety, and provide more fairness in decision-making. These changes are expected to impact gameplay, strategic decisions, and even the dynamics of matches in the world’s most popular T20 league.
The IPL has always been at the forefront of introducing innovative ideas, and the BCCI’s announcement for 2025 is no exception. Among the four new rules, some are designed to address issues that have arisen in recent years, while others are aimed at improving the entertainment value of the tournament for both players and spectators.
Let’s take a detailed look at the key changes announced by the BCCI for IPL 2025: saliva usage, the introduction of a new ball in mid-innings, and the expansion of the Decision Review System (DRS), along with some additional adjustments.
1. Ban on Saliva Usage
One of the most significant and widely discussed changes in IPL 2025 is the ban on the usage of saliva on the ball. This move comes in response to the global shift in cricket regulations, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced temporary measures to ensure player safety. The most notable of these measures was the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, a common practice among bowlers to maintain the ball’s condition.
In IPL 2025, the BCCI has officially adopted this policy across the entire tournament. This rule is in line with the ICC’s decision to permanently prohibit the use of saliva, ensuring consistency in the global game. The primary reason for this rule is the concern over hygiene and the potential spread of viruses through physical contact. Saliva has long been used by bowlers to keep the ball shiny, aiding in swing and movement, but with the pandemic forcing changes in health protocols, the ICC and BCCI have recognized that player safety must take precedence.
This change will have implications for bowlers, particularly seamers, who have traditionally relied on saliva to maintain the condition of the ball for swing bowling. Bowlers will now need to be more reliant on other methods, such as sweat or polishing the ball with their clothing. The ban on saliva usage is expected to level the playing field, reducing the advantage that some bowlers previously gained from their ability to maintain ball shine.
2. Introduction of a New Ball in Mid-Innings
Another exciting change announced by the BCCI is the introduction of a new ball in mid-innings. This will be the first time in IPL history that both innings will see a new ball being used. In the past, teams were given one ball per innings, with the ball continuing to be used for the full 20 overs, leading to the ball becoming softer and more difficult to play as the overs progressed.
Under the new rule, the ball will be changed after 10 overs, meaning that teams will get a fresh ball halfway through their innings. This rule aims to enhance the balance between bat and ball, ensuring that the ball remains in a better condition for longer, providing more opportunities for bowlers to generate swing and bounce. It is expected to make the powerplay overs even more exciting and challenging for batters, as they will face a new ball at both the start and midway through their innings.
The introduction of a new ball also brings a tactical element into the game. Teams will now need to strategize about when and how to take advantage of the fresh ball. Batters may need to alter their approach when the new ball is introduced, and bowlers will look to exploit the initial swing and seam movement available with the new ball. This rule will likely encourage bowlers to focus on taking wickets during the first few overs of the second half of the innings, while batters will need to adjust their plans accordingly.
3. Expansion of the Decision Review System (DRS)
The Decision Review System (DRS), a tool that has been integral to ensuring fairness and accuracy in umpire decisions, will see an expansion in IPL 2025. While DRS has been used in international cricket for several years, its use in the IPL was limited due to the tournament’s format and cost concerns. However, in a major step towards improving the accuracy of decisions and reducing controversy, the BCCI has decided to implement DRS for all matches in IPL 2025.
The most significant part of this expansion is the introduction of DRS for both teams, including a review for every decision, even for wides and no-balls. This decision will provide players with a greater sense of security, knowing that there is a mechanism in place to challenge incorrect decisions. This rule is expected to reduce umpire errors and ensure that the correct decisions are made, especially in tight situations, which are often the most critical moments in a T20 game.
Under the new rules, each team will be allowed a certain number of reviews per innings, and reviews will reset after the 10th over of the match. Additionally, the technology behind the DRS system will include the use of UltraEdge for close calls on catches and Ball Tracking for LBW decisions. The expansion of DRS is a significant improvement for the IPL, making it a more accurate and professional tournament in line with global standards.
4. Powerplay Adjustments and Fielding Restrictions
In another noteworthy change, the BCCI has also made adjustments to the fielding restrictions during the powerplay. In IPL 2025, the powerplay will be slightly adjusted, allowing more flexibility for teams in terms of field placements, especially after the first six overs. In the revised system, teams will be allowed to have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle after the powerplay period, up from the previous limit of three.
This adjustment is designed to give batting teams a better chance of accelerating their innings after the initial six overs, encouraging more aggressive stroke play and high scoring. By relaxing fielding restrictions, the BCCI hopes to add more excitement to the powerplay and the middle overs, which could lead to more sixes, boundaries, and match-winning performances.
Additional Changes and Future Implications
In addition to the major rule changes mentioned above, the BCCI is also considering further modifications in areas such as player substitutes, strategic timeouts, and match scheduling to enhance the overall viewer experience. The introduction of player substitution rules, which allows teams to replace players under certain circumstances, could also open up new strategies for team selection and tactical adjustments.
The rule changes for IPL 2025 are a significant step in the tournament’s growth, bringing it in line with the latest developments in global cricket. The BCCI’s commitment to improving the game’s fairness, competitiveness, and player safety is evident in these announcements. As teams and players begin to adapt to these changes, fans can expect a more thrilling and balanced IPL season, with a greater emphasis on skill, strategy, and technology.
Conclusion
The BCCI’s new rules for IPL 2025 promise to usher in an exciting era for the league, with significant changes that will impact every aspect of the game. From the banning of saliva usage to the introduction of a new ball in mid-innings and the expansion of DRS, these changes are aimed at improving the quality of play and ensuring fairness for both teams. With these innovations, IPL 2025 is set to be an unforgettable season, providing a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
