In a major shift ahead of IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced two significant rule changes – the lifting of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball in the second innings. These decisions, made in consultation with IPL management and team captains, aim to enhance fairness and address gameplay challenges like dew factor.
🏏 Two-Ball Rule for Second Innings – A Game-Changer
One of the most significant changes for IPL 2025 is the introduction of a second ball in the second innings.
✔ Implementation: The second ball will be used after the 11th over of the second innings.
✔ Objective: To counter the effects of dew, which often impacts the balance between batting and bowling in night matches.
✔ Fair Play: The rule ensures that the toss-winning captain doesn’t gain an unfair advantage due to dew.
A BCCI official, who attended the captains’ and managers’ meeting at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai, confirmed that this rule aims to create a level-playing field, especially for bowlers who struggle to grip a wet ball in night matches.
The decision to replace the ball will be left to the umpires, who will assess the presence of dew and determine if a ball change is required. This rule primarily applies to night matches, and it is unlikely to be used in afternoon games.
💦 Saliva Ban Lifted – Bowlers Get a Boost
Another major update is the revocation of the saliva ban, a rule that was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent virus transmission.
✔ Why Was the Ban Removed? With the pandemic now behind us, cricketers, including Mohammed Shami, Vernon Philander, and Tim Southee, had urged authorities to allow the use of saliva again.
✔ Impact on the Game: The return of saliva application will bring back natural swing and reverse swing, benefiting fast bowlers, especially in death overs.
Speaking about the issue, Shami had previously stated, “We always request the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse swing come into play.” His plea found support from multiple international pacers, leading to BCCI reconsidering the rule.
📌 Why These Changes Matter for IPL 2025?
The two-ball rule and saliva ban reversal are set to make IPL more competitive and bowler-friendly:
✔ Neutralizes Dew Factor – Batting second will no longer be an automatic advantage.
✔ Improves Swing & Reverse Swing – Fast bowlers will regain a crucial weapon, adding more variety to the game.
✔ Fairer Toss Outcomes – Teams will need to rethink their strategies instead of relying on the luck of the toss.
With IPL 2025 set to begin soon, these rule updates will have a major impact on team tactics, player performances, and match dynamics.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
