BCCI Introduced New Rules In IPL 2025
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its 18th season, set to commence on March 22, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a series of new rules and regulations on March 20, 2025, that promise to reshape the dynamics of this iconic Twenty20 cricket league. These changes, announced by IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, reflect a blend of reverting to pre-pandemic norms, addressing on-field challenges, and maintaining the league’s commitment to professionalism and fairness. With the tournament just days away, these updates have sparked discussions among fans, players, and analysts alike, as they could significantly influence strategies and gameplay in the upcoming season.
One of the most notable changes is the lifting of the saliva ban, a rule that was initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce health risks. For years, bowlers relied on saliva to shine the cricket ball, aiding swing and movement, but this practice was prohibited in 2020, forcing players to adapt to using sweat or other permitted substances.
The decision to lift this ban comes as a relief to many bowlers, who felt the restriction hampered their ability to generate reverse swing, particularly in the high-scoring, batsman-dominated format of T20 cricket. Several IPL captains had voiced concerns over this issue in previous seasons, and the BCCI’s move to reinstate the use of saliva is seen as a step toward restoring a balance between bat and ball. This change aligns the IPL with evolving international standards, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also relaxed similar restrictions in recent times.
Another innovative rule introduced for IPL 2025 addresses the perennial challenge of dew, which often affects matches played under lights, especially in the second innings. To counter this, the BCCI has decided that teams batting second will have the option to use a second new ball after the 11th over. Dew typically makes the ball slippery, reducing grip for bowlers and giving an unfair advantage to the chasing side.
By allowing a fresh ball midway through the innings, the league aims to level the playing field and ensure that conditions do not disproportionately favor one team. This rule is a bold experiment, unique to the IPL, and could alter bowling strategies, particularly for spinners who often struggle in dewy conditions. Teams may now need to rethink their approach to the middle overs, balancing the use of pace and spin with the availability of a new ball.
The continuation of the Impact Player rule is another key decision that has been retained for the 2025-2027 cycle. Introduced in 2023, this regulation allows teams to substitute a player from their starting XI with one of four nominated substitutes at any point during the match. The replaced player cannot return, even as a fielder, but the rule has added a layer of tactical flexibility, enabling teams to adapt to match situations dynamically.
While it has been praised for enhancing entertainment and strategy—allowing teams to bring in a specialist batsman or bowler as needed—it has also faced criticism for reducing the role of all-rounders. Despite the debate, the BCCI has chosen to stick with this innovation, signaling its belief in the rule’s ability to keep the IPL competitive and engaging for viewers.
In a significant shift for team captains, the BCCI has also ruled that slow over-rate penalties will no longer result in bans. Previously, captains faced suspensions for repeated delays in completing overs within the allotted time, a measure intended to maintain the pace of the game. However, this often led to controversies and logistical challenges, especially when key leaders were sidelined.
Under the new guidelines, penalties for slow over-rates will likely shift to fines or other sanctions that do not involve missing matches, ensuring that captains remain on the field to lead their teams. This change acknowledges the pressures of T20 cricket, where tactical decisions and frequent bowler changes can sometimes slow proceedings, and it aims to avoid punishing leadership for factors that may not always be fully within their control.
Beyond on-field rules, the BCCI has reinforced its commitment to discipline and professionalism through updated off-field regulations. One such measure bans family members and friends from entering the dressing room on both match days and practice sessions, a rule communicated to franchises earlier in the year. Players are also required to travel on the team bus for all practice sessions and matches, standardizing logistics and enhancing security.
Additionally, the league has tightened accreditation protocols within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), with warnings issued for forgetting ID cards on the first offense and fines for subsequent violations. These measures, while seemingly strict, are designed to maintain a focused environment and ensure smooth operations across the 74-match tournament, which will span 13 cities and conclude with the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on May 25, 2025.
The BCCI has also responded to health-related concerns raised by India’s Health Ministry, which recently urged a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol advertisements, including surrogate promotions, during the IPL season. While today’s announcements did not explicitly address this, the league’s alignment with the ICC’s Code of Conduct—adopted earlier this year—suggests a broader intent to uphold ethical standards. This code, replacing the IPL’s previous independent regulations, will govern player behavior, with penalties for offenses now mirroring those in international T20 matches. The shift aims to streamline disciplinary actions and ensure consistency, potentially reducing the number of violations seen in past seasons, such as excessive celebrations or inappropriate gestures.
Other existing rules, like the retention and auction policies set in late 2024, continue to shape the IPL’s framework. Franchises can retain up to six players, including a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped ones, with a purse of INR 120 crore for the 2025 auction. A groundbreaking match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game has been introduced for all playing members, including Impact Players, adding a financial incentive alongside contracted amounts. Overseas players face stricter participation rules, with a two-year ban for those who withdraw after being picked at the auction, ensuring commitment to the tournament. These regulations, combined with today’s updates, reflect the BCCI’s efforts to balance tradition with innovation while addressing practical challenges.
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As the IPL 2025 season approaches, these changes signal a league in transition, adapting to feedback from stakeholders and the evolving landscape of cricket. The lifting of the saliva ban and the second-ball option highlight a focus on fairness in gameplay, while the retention of the Impact Player rule and relaxed captaincy penalties cater to strategic depth and leadership continuity. Off-field, the emphasis on discipline and professionalism underscores the IPL’s status as a global sporting powerhouse. With Kolkata Knight Riders set to defend their title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opener, fans can expect a season where new rules not only influence the scoreline but also redefine how the game is played and experienced.
