Ahead of the IPL 2025, BCCI introduced a new rule for the 18th season which will see the use of a second ball in the second inning of the match. Apart from the new ball rule introduction, BCCI has revoked the ban on the use of saliva.
The BCCI explained the new rules during the meeting of the captains and managers at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on Thursday (March 20).
As per the report, regarding the ball change rule, the BCCI has left the decision to the discretion of the umpires. “It’s up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew,” the report reads.
IPL 2025 two ball rule
- BCCI has introduced a new rule of a second ball for the second innings of a match ahead of IPL 2025.
- The second ball will come into play after the 11th over of the second innings in an IPL match.
- The umpire will determine whether the ball needs to be changed or not and will be decided based on the presence of dew.
- This rule will primarily apply to night games, and it is unlikely that a second ball will be used in afternoon matches.
By introducing the second ball, the rule effectively nullifies any advantage that the captain winning the toss might have due to the dew factor, ensuring a more level playing field in the matches.
BCCI has also decided to lift the ban on the use of saliva which the ICC has imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate the spread of the virus. Post the COVID-19 emergency, many cricketers suggested lifting these restrictions.
Most recently, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has also urged the board to do away with the rule. “We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches,” Shami had said after a Champions Trophy game in Dubai recently.
As per IPL 2025 schedule the first match will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 22 March 2025 in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
IPL teams will be categorised into two groups of five teams where a total of 70 group matches will be played before the playoff round. The IPL 2025 will follow a Group stage and Playoffs format with the top four teams in the IPL 2025 points table advancing to the playoffs round.
