Because this is the first season of a new cycle following the massive auction that took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last year, fans are eagerly awaiting the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
In addition to clubs adding new players, cricket fans are now more excited about the introduction of some new regulations. The season opener between the defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22, features five regulation changes that spectators need to be aware.
New Rule Changes in IPL 2025: Innovations & Impact
1. Saliva ban lifted
Mohammed Shami recently pleaded with the ICC to lift the restriction on saliva on cricket balls. As a precaution, the prohibition was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be much-needed relief for the pacers now that the BCCI has lifted the ban. To make the cricket ball sparkle, players can add saliva. In the latter part of the innings, this will assist the pacers in getting some reverse swing.
2. Introduction of a second ball
Dew has played a major role in the IPL over the years as chasing teams have benefited immensely on most of the grounds. However, this could change in the 18th edition of the 10-team tournament as BCCI has allowed the usage of two new balls in the second innings of matches. It is important to note that umpires will take the final call on whether a second new ball is needed or not in a particular game. The second new ball can only be used after the first 10 overs in the second innings. Also, dew isn’t expected to make an impact in day matches and therefore, this rule will primarily be implemented in evening games.
3. Impact Player rule stays
The Impact Player rule which has returned for the last two seasons of the IPL, will continue to be part of the game till at least 2027. With the implementation of this rule, the teams can make their tactical substitution in the middle of the match and add a player who would be fresh for a player from the playing XI.
Aimed at bringing in a fresh dimension of strategy, the Impact Player rule allows teams to modify their combinations according to match situations. A side can add batter when pursuing a large total or add a specialist bowler to bolster their attack. The rule does not, however, cover all-rounders coming in for another all-rounder in a like-for-like exchange; it is intended to have a real effect on the game.
The extension of this rule implies that it has been well received by teams, coaches, and fans, adding an element of uncertainty to team selection and match dynamics. With the Impact Player rule to continue until at least 2027, teams will continue to refine their game plans, optimizing their bench depth to acquire a winning edge in the critical moments of the match.
4. DRS for height and off-side wides
In a major update, the teams will also be able to utilise the Decision Review System (DRS) to check high wides and those outside the off-stump. By doing so, it hopes to ensure that the umpires make better and more accurate decisions reducing critical errors in times of need.
With the help of Hawk-Eye technology and ball tracking, the system will show accurate visuals to ascertain if a delivery needs to be called wide. This change in the ruling will have a particular huge impact on T20 cricket where points like that can be a decisive factor that can own or make your match lose. Captains and players will need to be shrewd in making their limited reviews, weighing up the benefits of challenges on dismissals versus wide-ball calls.
The introduction of DRS for wides, however, represents a logical step in the use of technology for better decision-making, so that bowlers or batters are not unfairly judged.
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