IPL 2025 New Rules Announced: Saliva Ban Revoked & Second Ball Rule Introduced

IPL 2025 introduces exciting new rules, including the revocation of the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use saliva for swing and reverse swing. Additionally, the Second Ball Rule will be implemented, where a fresh ball will be used after the 11th over in night matches to counter the dew factor. These changes aim to create a fairer contest between bat and ball, making IPL 2025 even more thrilling

IPL 2025 New Rules Announced: Everything You Need to Know

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to bring in exciting new changes that will impact the way the game is played. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implementing fresh regulations, teams and fans alike can expect a more dynamic and competitive season. Let’s break down the key new rules for IPL 2025:

1. Saliva Ban Revoked – Bowlers Can Now Use Saliva for Swing & Reverse Swing

In a major shift, the BCCI has revoked the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use saliva once again to shine the ball. This change comes as a big boost for fast bowlers, who rely on saliva to generate swing and reverse swing. The return of this technique is expected to add more excitement to the contest between bat and ball, making conditions more favorable for bowlers in the IPL 2025 season.

2. Second Ball Rule Introduced – Fresh Ball After 11th Over

To address the challenges posed by the dew factor during night matches, the IPL 2025 will introduce the Second Ball Rule. According to this rule, a fresh ball will be used in the second innings after the 11th over. This aims to level the playing field, ensuring that bowlers have a fair chance in conditions that are often skewed towards the batsmen due to dew.

 Umpires’ Discretion – Ball Change Based on Dew Conditions

In line with the new second ball rule, the decision to change the ball will be at the discretion of the umpires. They will assess the dew conditions and determine whether a new ball is needed to maintain fairness in the game. This change empowers umpires to make judgment calls based on ground realities, ensuring a balanced contest between bat and ball.

BCCI’s Aim: A Fairer Contest Between Bat and Ball

With these new regulations, the BCCI is aiming for a fairer contest in IPL 2025. The focus is on creating conditions where both batters and bowlers have equal opportunities. Therefore, the new rule changes for IPL 2025 – especially the revocation of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball in night matches – are a clear attempt by the BCCI to restore balance between bat and ball. Given how batting-friendly IPL 2024 was, with par scores nearing 190 and Punjab Kings chasing down 262 against KKR, bowlers were left with very little to work with. These changes might help level the playing field. 

Bringing back saliva for swing and reverse swing is a significant shift. Since the ban was introduced due to COVID-19, fast bowlers have struggled to generate movement, particularly in the later stages of an innings. Now, with saliva making a return, we could see more bowlers getting movement both early on and at the death.  

The second ball rule is also an interesting tweak. With dew playing a massive role in night games, defending scores became almost impossible last season. A fresh ball after the 11th over could make it harder for batters to go berserk in the second half of a chase. However, since the umpires have the final say, it will be interesting to see how consistently this rule is applied. 

While these adjustments might help bowlers a bit, it’s unlikely to completely shift the batting-dominant nature of the IPL. Impact subs still allow teams to field an extra batter, and the quality of T20 batting has never been higher. The real test will be whether these rules actually make a difference, or if we’re still in for another season of 220+ scores and insane chases. 

What Are Your Thoughts?

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, these rule changes have sparked debate among players, fans, and analysts. Will the return of saliva give bowlers an edge? How will the second ball rule impact the outcome of night matches? Share your thoughts and predictions as we gear up for a thrilling new season of IPL cricket!

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