The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a Captains’, Coaches, and Managers’ meeting on March 20, ahead of the 18th season of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). Representatives from all 10 IPL teams provided feedback, leading to several key updates to the playing conditions for IPL 2025.
Use of Saliva to Shine the Ball
Starting from IPL 2025, bowlers will once again be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. This marks the end of the saliva ban, which was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the virus spread. The decision to lift the ban was made after consultation with all 10 teams and is a return to traditional ball maintenance practices.
Wet Ball Replacement to Counter Dew
To address the challenges posed by dew in evening matches, the team bowling second can request a ball change after the 10th over. This request can be made by the bowling captain regardless of visible dew. Once requested, the umpires must replace the ball with a similar one, though the bowling team cannot choose the replacement. The umpires also retain the authority to change the ball before the 10th over if it is too wet, damaged, or lost.
New Code of Conduct
IPL 2025 will introduce a new Code of Conduct, which includes a demerit points system. Players will earn demerit points for violations, and accumulation of certain points could lead to suspensions. This new system will be in effect for 36 months, ensuring better discipline within the league.
Expansion of DRS Scope
The Decision Review System (DRS) will be expanded to include reviews for height-based no-balls and wide-ball reviews outside the off-stump. The new system will use Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology to assist umpires in making more accurate decisions, further reducing errors during matches.
