IPL 2025-BCCI Announces Three Rule Changes for the 18th Edition

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for its 18th edition with promises of thrill, stiff competition, and, above all, some significant rule changes that are bound to impact the game itself. As cricket fans gear up for another thrilling season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced three new rules which are set to decide the character of the matches.

With the competition being 10 teams fighting for supremacy, franchises must react quickly to these developments in order to gain a competitive edge. With the return of a previously banned practice through to the introduction of a revolutionary new ball rule and further Decision Review System (DRS) parameters, these developments add an intriguing depth to IPL 2025.

Let us examine these revolutionary changes that are set to reshape the terms of play this season.

1. The Return of Saliva for Ball Shine

For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will be permitted to use saliva to shine the cricket ball again. The decision is a massive reversal of the International Cricket Council (ICC) policy, which had prohibited the application of saliva altogether in 2022. The IPL, however, has its own set of governing regulations, and the BCCI has resolved to overturn the ban after it was agreed on by team captains at a meeting held in Mumbai recently.

Before the pandemic, saliva was employed to help bowlers maintain the shine and movement of the ball, particularly in the initial and middle phases of an innings. With this rule restored, pacers would have another tool to generate movement in the air, and this might bring balance to the game between bat and ball in a tournament that has been marked by high-scoring encounters.

2. 'Conditional' Second New Ball for the 2nd Innings

An innovative alteration in IPL 2025 introduces the possibility of a second new ball for the second innings of night games. On-field umpires will be authorized to give the go-ahead to the use of a new ball from the 11th over onwards if the dew factor is having a significant impact.

This modification is intended to balance out the disadvantage introduced by heavy dew, which would tend to favor the side batting second since bowlers would not be able to grip and maintain the ball. The rule is not going to come into play in afternoon matches, however, when there is no dew. This is most likely to render competition fairer so that teams are not overly handicapped by weather.

3. DRS Expansion-Wides Under Review

In a never-before-experienced situation, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to include height wides and off-side wides. This expansion is intended to give umpiring decisions greater accuracy and cut down errors that can have an impact on the outcome of matches.

Though on-field umpires themselves will still determine leg-side wides, wides can now be challenged by players on the basis of height or off-side deviations. This is particularly applicable in a match where runs are at a premium and incorrect wide calls can turn the course of a match. By introducing wides into DRS, the IPL gives teams an added degree of protection against inconsistency of umpires.

Though these three new rules introduce new elements to IPL 2025, the BCCI has chosen to retain the much-debated 'Impact Player' rule. New to the previous edition, this rule allows a side to substitute one of their players in a match, effectively being able to play 12 players rather than the traditional 11. Despite criticism for stifling the development of all-rounders, the board has decided to keep the rule, believing it adds to the tactical aspect of the game.

With the first match featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) welcoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Kolkata, all eyes will be on how these new rules influence team strategy. Bowlers can perhaps relax with the return of saliva, but captains will need to keep an eye out for the conditional second new ball as well as the expanded DRS range.

These alterations are sure to bring uncertainty into the tournament, and IPL 2025 will be as competitive and thrilling as ever. The fans and experts will be eagerly watching how these alterations impact the season and if they usher in more innovations in the world of T20 cricket.

With franchises adapting their game plans in kind, IPL 2025 will be a thrilling spectacle with the optimal blend of tradition and innovation!