IPL 2025: BCCI suddenly introduces a massive new rule; IPL captains still unaware

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to take a major decision before the start of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Notably, the BCCI is planning to lift the ban on applying saliva to the ball ahead of the IPL 2025 season, which is set to commence on March 22.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva on the ball during the COVID-19 pandemic but allowed players to use sweat. However, many cricketers raised concerns that sweat does not maintain the ball’s shine or aid reverse swing. The practice of using saliva was crucial for fast bowlers.

BCCI Leaves Decision on Lifting Saliva Ban to IPL Captains

The IPL had adopted the ICC’s saliva ban during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the BCCI is now considering reversing the decision. According to a report in PTI, a top BCCI official stated that the IPL does not fall under the ICC’s jurisdiction and lifting the ban would not be an issue.

The official said that saliva has a greater impact in red-ball cricket but believes it could still help bowlers in T20s. The proposal has been discussed internally, and captains of all IPL teams will give their input during a meeting in Mumbai on March 20.

“Using saliva on the ball was part of the essence of the game until COVID hit. Now that we don’t have that threat anymore, we feel there is no harm in lifting the ban on saliva in the IPL," a top BCCI official reportedly told PTI in an interview.

“We understand that it makes a bigger impact in red-ball cricket but even if it can help bowlers a bit in the white ball game, it should be allowed in the IPL, which is a trend-setting tournament. Let’s see what the captains decide tomorrow."

All 10 Team Captains to Meet at BCCI Headquarters on March 20

All 10 IPL team captains will meet at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on March 20 for their customary meeting and official photoshoot.

In addition to the saliva ban discussion, the IPL is set to approve the Decision Review System (DRS) for height-based wides and wides outside the off-stump.

"Hawk eye and ball tracking will be used to decide on the height wides and wides outside the off-stump. The team would be allowed to review if the on-field umpire has given a wide ball for height. If that team thinks it was not high enough for a wide, they can take the DRS," the official added.

IPL 2025 to Kick Off on Saturday with KKR vs RCB Opener

The IPL 2025 is set to begin on Saturday, March 22. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opener at Eden Gardens, which will also host the final on May 25.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the afternoon on March 23, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the evening.

A total of 70 league matches and four playoff games will be played across 13 venues. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will take place in Hyderabad on May 20 and 21, respectively. Qualifier 2 and the final will be held in Kolkata on May 23 and 25.

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