IPL 2025 new rules: From saliva ban lifted to second new ball - What’s new in the 18th edition?

IPL 2025 new rules: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 one of the biggest cricket leagues is all set to deliver another thrilling season of T20 cricket, with new rules introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Scheduled to begin on March 22, 2025, the 18th edition of the tournament will kick off with a grand opening ceremony at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Where top Indian stars including Disha Patani, Shreyas Ghoshal and Karan Ahuja will rock the stage with electrifying performances before the first match starts.

Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the action-packed event, which will feature ten franchise teams competing for the prestigious IPL trophy. The tournament opener will see defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), setting the stage for an electrifying start.

As the excitement builds, the BCCI has announced some significant rule changes for IPL 2025. Let’s take a look at the major updates, including the lifting of the saliva ban, the introduction of a second new ball under specific conditions, and adjustments to the Decision Review System (DRS).

BCCI Introduced New Rules for IPL 2025

The BCCI has implemented several new regulations to make the game more competitive and fair. These rules aim to balance the playing field, considering factors like dew, bowling advantages, and decision-making accuracy. Here are the key changes:

Saliva Ban Lifted – Bowlers Can Shine the Ball Again

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers in the IPL will be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. The BCCI took this decision after discussions with IPL franchise captains during a meeting in Mumbai.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) permanently banned the use of saliva in 2022, the IPL follows its own set of rules. This move by the BCCI could potentially influence the global cricketing landscape, giving bowlers a much-needed edge in a format dominated by batters.

Conditional Second New Ball in the Second Innings

A major rule change in IPL 2025 is the introduction of a second new ball during the second innings of evening matches. However, this rule will be applied only under certain conditions:

• The on-field umpires will decide if the dew factor is significantly impacting the match.
• If approved, the second ball will be introduced from the 11th over.
• This rule will not apply to afternoon matches.

With the increasing trend of high-scoring games due to dew making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball, this regulation aims to bring fairness and balance to both innings.

DRS Now Includes wide-ball reviews

For the first time in IPL history, the Decision Review System (DRS) will cover wide-ball decisions. Players will now be able to challenge umpire calls on off-side and height wides. However, the leg-side wides will still be judged solely by the on-field umpire.

This change is expected to bring more accuracy to decision-making, reducing errors that often lead to controversial moments in crucial matches.

Impact Player Rule Continues in IPL 2025

Despite facing criticism, the Impact Player Rule will remain in IPL 2025. This rule allows teams to substitute one player during a match, providing additional tactical flexibility.

• Teams can replace a player from the starting XI at any point in the match.
• This gives uncapped and young players more chances to participate in games.
• However, many experts argue that this rule limits the growth of all-rounders, as teams often substitute bowlers or batters instead of relying on players who can contribute to both aspects of the game.

As cricket fans eagerly await the start of IPL 2025, these rule changes will undoubtedly add a new dimension to the game. Stay tuned for more updates as the BCCI continues to evolve the IPL format, making it one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world!

IPL 2025 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

When does IPL 2025 start and end?

The IPL 2025 season will begin on Saturday, 22 March 2025, and the final match will take place on Sunday, 25 May 2025.

What time do the matches start?

• Evening matches will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
• On double-header days, the afternoon matches will start at 3:30 PM IST.

Which teams have new captains in IPL 2025?

Several teams have changed their captains this season. Here’s the updated list:

• Punjab Kings (PBKS)?– Shreyas Iyer
• Kolkata Knight Riders?(KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane
• Lucknow Super Giants?(LSG) – Rishabh Pant
• Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Rajat Patidar

Where can I watch IPL 2025 live in India?

• TV Broadcast: Star Sports will show the live matches in different languages.
• Online Streaming: You can watch matches live on the Disney+ Hotstar app.

Which players will miss IPL 2025 matches?

Some players will miss part or all of the season due to injuries or other reasons:

• Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss a few matches due to a back injury.
• Mayank Yadav (LSG) – Will miss the first half of the season.
• Allah Ghazanfar, Lizaad Williams, Brydon Carse were ruled out due to injuries.
• Harry Brook has withdrawn from the entire season.

How to watch IPL 2025 for free?

There is no completely free way to watch IPL 2025. However:

JioHotstar allows users to watch a few minutes of a match for free. After that, you’ll need a subscription starting from Rs 149.

How many cities will host IPL 2025 matches?

IPL 2025 will have 74 matches played across 13 cities. Each team will play their home games in their city, while three teams will also use a second home ground:

• Delhi Capitals – Some home games in Visakhapatnam.
• Punjab Kings – Some home games in Dharamsala.
• Rajasthan Royals – Some home games in Guwahati (home ground of their stand-in captain Riyan Parag).

Has the IPL 2025 format changed?

No, the format remains the same. The 10 teams are divided into two groups:

• Group A: CSK, KKR, RR, RCB, PBKS
• Group B: MI, SRH, GT, DC, LSG

Each team will:

• Play twice against the teams in their group.
• Play twice against one team from the other group (based on seeding).
• Play once against the other four teams from the opposite group.
• Have seven home and seven away matches.

Who won IPL 2024?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title in 2024, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. KKR bowled out SRH for 113 runs, the lowest total in an IPL final, and secured an easy victory.