IPL 2025: BCCI hands more authority to fourth umpire

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given more responsibility to the fourth umpire in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. As per the reports on Cricbuzz, it is learned that during the captain's meet, the governing body has emphasized that the fourth umpire should not be disturbed or distracted by teams.

The fourth umpire, who operates from outside the boundary line, has been given a free hand by the BCCI to randomly check the size of bats. This can be done not only during the matches but also during the practice sessions, thus eliminating the chances of players using heavy bats.

The Fourth Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days - BCCI

The fourth umpire also will now be keeping an eye on players returning to the dugout. Their main focus will be on bowlers who leave the field after completing their quota of overs. This is because most of the bowlers tend to leave the field after overs to take a rest.

Releasing the official statement, BCCI stated: "The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision.

"The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days. They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota & those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest."

The fourth umpire also has been asked by the BCCI to act as the emergency third umpire

The fourth umpire also has been asked by the BCCI to act as the emergency third umpire. The official will now allowed to take the box containing at least six new balls to the dressing room. They will be supervising the selection of the ball picked by teams.

The BCCI also stated that the fourth umpire, during the start of play and any intervals, will have to ensure that only authorized staff, the IPL match officials, players, team coaches, and authorized television personnel shall be allowed access to the pitch area.

Key decisions taken by BCCI during captains' meet

The minutes of the meetings stated by BCCI also revealed some of the other key decisions. The discussions took on 20th over, retired out, super over, DLS, concussion replacement, notification for time out, and team sheets.

20th Over: The entire innings has to be completed within the allocated time, which will include the completion of 20 overs; this is different from ICC playing conditions, which only take into account the time till the 20th over begins.

Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: In an interrupted match the retired batter will be considered as a wicket down for DLS calculations.

Concussion Replacement: A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes. In case the wicketkeeper gets a concussion, a replacement will be permissible from the available squad. In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get a replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players.

Notification for Time Out: The notification is only to be given by either the Captain or the batsmen at the wicket (for the batting time out). Should the batsmen at the wicket request the time out, this will take precedence over any advice from the batting Captain off the field. Coaches can also request a Time Out to the fourth umpire in the event the captain is not available.

Team Sheets: Team sheets to be distributed after the toss. Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side. After the outcome of the toss, captains hand over the team sheet to the match referee. Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager.

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