The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a crucial meeting with captains, coaches, and managers of all ten IPL teams on March 20, ahead of the 18th season of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). The discussion at BCCI headquarters focused on feedback regarding playing conditions, leading to significant rule changes for the upcoming season.
One of the major updates is the lifting of the saliva ban, which was initially introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Players can now apply saliva on the ball again, a decision made with unanimous agreement from the captains. Additionally, a second new ball will be introduced in the second innings after 11 overs in night matches to counter the impact of dew. However, this rule will not apply to day games, and the final call will rest with the on-field umpires.
Another significant change is the removal of match bans for slow over-rates. Instead, captains will receive demerit points and fines. For a Level 1 offense, captains will face a fine of 25-75% of their match fee and demerit points valid for three years. A Level 2 offense will result in four demerit points.
FUrther, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to allow teams to challenge height wides and wides outside the off-stump.
The 2025 IPL season will commence on March 22 with a grand opening ceremony at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The tournament will feature 74 matches across multiple venues, culminating in the final at Eden Gardens on May 25.