IPL 2025: BCCI announces major rule changes on Saliva Ban, Impact Player and 2 New Balls

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to make some major changes just a couple of days before the beginning of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The BCCI has decided to cancel the ban on using saliva on the ball. Adding to this rule, the board has also introduced the usage of a second new ball in just the second innings of the match.

While these significant rule changes were made, there was no rule change in terms of the Impact Player Rule. The rule has been under scrutiny ever since it appeared in the IPL and various players have spoken against it.

Also read: "When I and MS Dhoni were playing for India, we used to cancel Shoots"- Suresh Raina

BCCI makes big changes just days before the IPL

The decision to ban the usage of saliva was made in 2020 during the Covid times. However, the decision has been reversed by the BCCI as they aim to keep the balance between batting and bowling.

Prominent players like Mohammed Shami, Tim Southee, and Vernon Philander had recently requested the ICC to reconsider their decision on banning saliva during the match.

While Shami is still an active player, Southee and Philander are former cricketers but understand the problems bowlers face if they are not allowed to use saliva on the ball. BCCI's new decision will help to give bowlers some room as it also helps in reverse-swing.

BCCI introduces two new balls in IPL game

According to Cricbuzz, two new balls will be used during the second innings of the IPL match. The second new ball will be used from the 11th over, which is the halfway stage during the second innings.

This rule change has been aimed to tackle the substantial amount of dew during the second innings of a match. The dew has been a huge cause of concern for the teams bowling second and it also makes the toss very important.

Most of the teams have been opting to field first after winningg the toss in order to save themselves from dew. The usage of second new balls will provide a more level-field for both the teams, and the value of toss will decrease.

What about Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule continues:) https://t.co/k9lCthCBuE

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) March 20, 2025

While these rules will be applied, there were no changes in the Impact Player rule for IPL 2025. The board officials and the captains had a discussion on the rule but it was decided that it will continue atleast for this year.

The Impact Player rule has been under scrutiny ever since its introduction in IPL 2023. Various prominent names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Marcus Stoinis, and many others have spoken against it in the past and called it detrimental for the game.

Since the introduction of this rule, the teams have preferred to play specialist batters and bowlers which has reduced the rle of allrounders in a match. As a result, their growth has been effected. At the same time, it has also produced some of the star players.