The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is about to commence on March 22, and this season welcomes drastic changes in its rulebook. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has in its latest meeting ratified several amendments to enhance fairness, improve the quality of the game, and address some issues experienced previously.
From the reintroduction of saliva use to adding a second ball in night matches, these changes are likely to directly affect team strategies and game results.
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Major Rule Changes in IPL 2025
| Rule Change | Description |
| Lifting of Saliva Ban | Players can now use saliva to shine the ball, restoring swing dynamics. |
| Introduction of Second Ball | A new ball will be introduced after the 11th over in the second innings. |
| Continuation of Impact Player | Teams can continue to substitute one player during a match. |
| Expansion of DRS | DRS now includes referrals for height-based no-balls and wide deliveries. |
Lifting of Saliva Ban
The saliva ban, originally enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been lifted. This development is important, particularly for fast bowlers, who tend to use saliva to keep one side of the ball to create a conventional swing or reverse swing.
Since 2020, bowlers have found it difficult to create movement with sweat alone, resulting in flatter games heavily skewed in favor of the batters. A return to saliva as a legitimate help has the effect that pacers like Mohammed Shami, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah will have more tricks up their sleeve.
This action reinstates a key aspect of fast bowling. The matches can become more evenly contested, particularly during the powerplay overs, when early success tends to define the direction of the game.
Second Ball in Second Innings
One of the most revolutionary alterations is the addition of a second ball in night matches, especially after the 11th over of the second innings. This move is a direct response to the dew factor, a chronic problem in Indian conditions that tends to favor the chasing side.
The presence of dew reduces the grip of bowling players causing equal difficulty for spin and fast bowling techniques. The change to use fresh balls at the end of the 11th over allows second-inning teams to adapt to current conditions more effectively.
Through strategic implementation, this system equalizes match conditions which reduces both lob advantages and boosts game competitiveness. Teams must adapt because the cancellation of toss advantages eliminates their ability to heavily depend on winning the toss advantage.
During IPL 2025 teams will maintain access to the Impact Player Rule which brings tactical benefits throughout matches.
Impact Player
The Impact Player Rule will continue to make its presence felt during IPL 2025. Teams have the opportunity under this game rule to make one player change throughout the match to adapt to the ongoing gameplay.
Expansion of DRS
Another significant IPL 2025 change is the expansion of the Decision Review System (DRS). Now, teams have the option to challenge height-related no-balls and wide deliveries outside off-stump—a long overdue addition that brings the IPL on par with contemporary cricket standards.
This follows several years of season-long issues with spurious umpiring decisions, particularly in marginal wides and high full tosses, with match-changing repercussions. With Hawk-Eye technology also supporting reviews, this alteration promises increased accuracy and fewer controversies.
This is good news for fans, who can look forward to more transparent results, and players, who are now protected from erratic rulings.
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Strategic Implications of the Rule Changes
The impacts of these developments will not be felt only in rulebooks; they will fundamentally change how teams practice and play:
Swing Bowling Revival
The return of saliva enhances seam and swing bowling, making bowlers more potent early on. Expect teams to field two or more new ball specialists, especially at swing-friendly venues like Wankhede or Eden Gardens.
Balanced Matches Despite Dew
The revival of saliva strengthens the seam and swing bowling, making the bowlers more potent at the start. Look for teams to include two or more new ball specialists, particularly at swing-friendly grounds like Wankhede or Eden Gardens.
Smarter Team Compositions
With the rule of the Impact Player, franchises will build more versatile rosters—featuring specialists who may be used during specific phases without losing balance.
Higher Decision Accuracy
More extensive DRS needs tighter control of match play. Teams will have to implement their reviews with greater caution, while umpires enjoy less tension for close decision-making.
Summary: What This Means for IPL 2025
| Aspect | Impact |
| Fast Bowlers | Enhanced swing, better control, early wickets |
| Batting Second Teams | Fairer contests in dew-heavy conditions |
| Team Tactics | More flexible substitutions and planning |
| Match Outcomes | Fewer umpiring errors, improved decision-making |
Conclusion
The BCCI leads active reforms in tournament rules in pursuit of developing the IPL into a competitive and high-quality tournament. By restoring swing conditions, neutralizing external factors like dew, and enhancing review systems, IPL 2025 is poised to be one of the most competitive and strategically complex editions yet.
Fans can expect more intense matches, wiser team strategies, and a greater bat-ball balance. As the tournament continues to grow, so does the standard of cricket it generates—a testament to its global recognition.
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