IPL 2025: BCCI Announces Four Major Changes Before Season Kickoff

Key Takeaways

BCCI confirmed four major rule changes for IPL 2025.
Bowling teams can now use saliva to shine the ball.
Teams can request a ball change after the 10th over.
A new Code of Conduct with demerit points will be introduced.
DRS will now include height-based no-ball and wide-ball reviews.

Mumbai, March 22 (NationPress) On the brink of the IPL 2025 kickoff featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed four significant updates for this season.

The BCCI held a meeting with Captains, Coaches, and Managers at its headquarters on March 20, prior to the 18th edition of the IPL.

During this gathering, delegates from all 10 IPL franchises shared their insights and suggestions on various playing conditions. From this collective feedback, the following modifications have been adopted.

Starting with the IPL 2025 season, bowlers will be allowed to use saliva to polish the ball. This decision, reached after discussions with all 10 teams, reinstates traditional ball maintenance methods. The prohibition on saliva, initially enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been revoked.

Secondly, to mitigate issues caused by dew during evening games, the team bowling second will have the right to request a ball change once after the 10th over.

The bowling captain can make this request whether or not dew is visibly present. Once the request is initiated, umpires are required to substitute the ball with another of similar condition. The bowling side will not have the ability to select the replacement ball.

Moreover, umpires maintain the power to change the ball at any point before the 10th over if it is considered too wet, damaged, lost, or deformed. Should a captain seek a ball change in the 11th over due to it being out of shape, umpires will assess the request and grant approval if justified.

If another request is made in subsequent overs solely due to dew, umpires will have to replace the ball as previously stated.

Additionally, a revised Code of Conduct will be enforced for the TATA IPL 2025 season, introducing a demerit points system and suspension points valid for 36 months.

Lastly, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been enhanced to include reviews for height-based no-balls and wide balls outside the off-stump. The upgraded system will leverage Hawk-Eye technology and ball-tracking to support umpires in making precise and consistent decisions.