The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced significant rule changes for IPL 2025, including the revocation of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball in the second innings during the captains meet today.
These decisions were finalized during the captains and managers’ meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on March 20.
Key Changes for IPL 2025:
- Saliva Ban Lifted: The BCCI has officially reversed its pandemic-era restriction on using saliva to shine the ball, allowing bowlers to use it again.
- Second Ball in the Second Innings: A fresh ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings to mitigate the effects of dew, ensuring fairer playing conditions for both teams.
A BCCI official confirmed that the primary aim of introducing the second ball is to neutralize the dew advantage that often influences toss outcomes in night matches. This change ensures that teams bowling second do not suffer from excessive moisture affecting the ball’s grip and movement.
These changes are expected to have a significant impact on game strategies, especially for bowlers and captains, as teams adapt to the new regulations in IPL 2025, which kicks off on March 22.
The restriction on saliva usage was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic when the International Cricket Council (ICC) enforced measures to curb the virus’s spread.
