The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which kicked off on March 22, 2025, has brought a fresh wave of excitement with innovative rule changes. From lifting the saliva ban to expanding the DRS, these updates promise to reshape strategies and thrill fans. Here at Crickpress, we’ve got the latest scoop on the top six new rules in IPL 2025 that every cricket enthusiast should know!
1. Saliva Ban Lifted – A Throwback to Tradition
What’s New: Bowlers are now allowed to use saliva to shine the ball, reversing a ban imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details: This decision was made after a consensus among IPL captains at a meeting in Mumbai on March 20, 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had made the ban permanent in 2022, but the BCCI has opted to revert to traditional practices for IPL 2025.
Impact: This could benefit pace bowlers, particularly in maintaining swing, though it has sparked mixed reactions among players and fans.
2. Second Ball Rule – Dew’s New Nemesis
What’s New: In night matches, the team bowling second can request a new ball after the 10th over to counter dew-related challenges. Details: Known as the “Second Ball” rule, this option allows captains to replace the ball once after the 10th over in the second innings. The change aims to assist spinners and bowlers who struggle with a wet ball due to dew, especially in evening games. Impact: First implemented in Match 5 (GT vs PBKS on March 25, 2025), this rule levels the playing field for teams bowling under dew-heavy conditions, potentially favoring spinners in the middle overs.
3. Expanded DRS – Precision Meets Fairness
What’s New: The DRS now includes reviews for height-based no-balls and off-side wides.
Details: Previously limited to LBW, caught, and edge decisions, the DRS scope has expanded to use Hawk-Eye technology for no-ball height checks and wide-ball decisions outside the off-stump. Each team retains two reviews per innings.
Impact: This ensures greater accuracy in umpiring decisions, reducing controversies over no-balls and wides, which have been contentious in past seasons.
4. New Code of Conduct – Discipline in Focus
What’s New: IPL 2025 adopts the ICC’s Code of Conduct for T20 Internationals, replacing its previous bespoke rules, and introduces a demerit points system.
Details: Levels 1, 2, and 3 offenses (e.g., slow over-rates, dissent) now carry demerit points and suspension points, valid for 36 months. Penalties align with ICC T20I guidelines, potentially leading to harsher punishments like match bans.
Impact: Aimed at curbing on-field conflicts and slow over-rates, this was prompted by 10 Code of Conduct violations in IPL 2024 (e.g., Harshit Rana’s suspension).
5. Match Fee Boost – Rewarding Every Ball
What’s New: Players earn an additional INR 7.5 lakhs (approximately $9,000 USD) per match, on top of their contract amounts. Details: Applicable to all playing members, including Impact Players, this is a first in IPL history, announced in September 2024 as part of the 2025-2027 player regulations. Impact: Boosts earnings, especially for lower-contracted players, recognizing their match-day contributions.
6. Super Over Time Limit – Ties Get Tighter
What’s New: Unlimited Super Overs are allowed to decide a tied match, but they must conclude within one hour of the main match’s end. Details: Dismissed batters and bowlers from prior Super Overs are ineligible for subsequent ones. Fielding restrictions from the last over apply, with one unsuccessful DRS review per team. Impact: Ensures a winner is determined efficiently while adding excitement, as seen in rare double Super Overs (e.g., KXIP vs MI, 2020).
The IPL 2025 season introduces several rule changes beyond the six highlighted earlier, including a significant player withdrawal penalty and other impactful updates. A notable addition is the two-year ban for players who withdraw after being selected in the auction without a valid reason, such as injury, announced on September 28, 2024. This rule aims to ensure commitment, preventing last-minute pullouts that disrupt team planning, like Harry Brook’s withdrawal in 2024. Other changes include mandatory mega auction registration for overseas players to participate in mini auctions and a replacement window for season-ending injuries until the 12th league match, enhancing franchise stability and fairness throughout the tournament.
Know more the new rules: https://www.iplt20.com/about/about-us
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