“Bowlers Finally Get Relief” – BCCI Introduces Major Changes for IPL 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced key rule changes, including the lifting of the saliva ban, continuation of the Impact Player rule, and an end to captain suspensions for slow over-rates.
New Delhi, March 20: As the excitement for IPL 2025 builds up, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a set of major rule changes for the upcoming season, set to begin on March 22.
📢 “The saliva ban has been lifted, the Impact Player rule will continue, and captains will no longer be suspended for slow over-rates,” confirmed IPL chairman Arun Dhumal.
🔴 Key Changes for IPL 2025:
✅ Saliva Ban Lifted: The controversial rule introduced during COVID-19 in May 2020—and made permanent by the ICC in 2022—has now been removed. Bowlers can once again use saliva to shine the ball, restoring the traditional method of maintaining swing.
💬 “Fast bowlers have long argued that the ban negatively impacted reverse swing, making white-ball cricket less competitive for pacers. This move will help balance the contest between bat and ball,” said a senior BCCI official.
✅ No More Captain Suspensions for Slow Over-Rates:
- Captains will no longer face match bans for maintaining slow over-rates.
- This comes after Hardik Pandya’s one-match suspension in IPL 2024, which sparked debates on the fairness of penalizing skippers for a collective team issue.
- Instead, teams will face monetary fines and possible penalties on fielding restrictions.
✅ Impact Player Rule Continues:
- Introduced in IPL 2023, this rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, adding a strategic element to the game.
- Despite initial criticism, the rule has been retained as it has proven to enhance tactical decision-making and provide more opportunities to players.
📝 What This Means for IPL 2025:
🔹 Pacers Get Their Weapon Back: The return of saliva use could bring reverse swing back into play, making death-over bowling more unpredictable.
🔹 Strategic Freedom for Captains: Skippers can now focus on their leadership without the fear of suspensions, preventing unnecessary team disruptions.
🔹 More Tactical Substitutions: The Impact Player rule will continue to add excitement and force teams to think creatively during matches.
📢 What’s Next?
With the tournament set to begin on March 22, these rule changes could significantly impact team strategies, playing conditions, and on-field battles. Expect IPL 2025 to be more dynamic, competitive, and fair—with a level playing field for both batters and bowlers.