The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known to bring some very innovative rule changes to the game to make the game more interesting and competitive.
The Impact Substitute rule was a major rule change brought in the game which saw Team scores soaring to 180 – 200 runs consistently in a 20-over game and being chased too.
While not all rule gets adopted in international games, it acts as a reference point for authorities to look into in the ever-evolving game of cricket.
Saliva Ban Lifted – Big Relief For Bowlers
During the COVID era, the first change, ICC brought was to ban the use of saliva on the ball. While it may have been the need of the hour during COVID-19, the practice is still followed.
BCCI is considering lifting the ban on applying saliva on the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning March 22.
Many bowlers especially the pace bowlers have been voicing their opinion on how the lack of use of saliva has taken reverse swing out of the game.
The proposal is currently being floated to captains of all IPL teams.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) In 2022, made the ban permanent on an age-old practice of applying saliva to shine the ball as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) too has followed this rule. But with the pandemic not being a threat anymore, the IPL would want to bring the ban curbed to give a bit of an advantage to the bowlers and thus not tilt the game totally in favor of the batsman.
“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,” a top BCCI official told PTI.
If the ban is revoked in the IPL, the ICC might be forced to review its ban for International games too.
Mohammed Shami, Vernon Philander, and Tim Southee have backed the revoking of this rule.
“We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting,” Shami had said during the Champions Trophy in Dubai recently.
Currently applying saliva is an offense that will lead to warnings and fines for repeat offenses.
DRS to be extended to height and off-side wides
The IPL is set to approve the use of DRS for height 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,” a BCCI official added.
BCCI Contemplate Major Rule Change For IPL 2025 - All You Need To Knowhttps://t.co/3bfIAqJmgy pic.twitter.com/viZbJUN4BJ
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 20, 2025
Bizarre New Rules to be Introduced in IPL 2025
From travel restrictions to dress code mandates, some very bizarre rules have been introduced by BCCI for the IPL 2025 season.
- Players Must Travel by Team Bus – No Exceptions
Players have been told to travel by team buses only from practice and match days. Family to be not part of the travel entourage.
- No Family Members in the Dressing Room
Cricketers’ families and friends will be restricted from entering the Player and Match Officials Area before or during a match.
- Strict Practice Session Rules
There will be only two nets allowed for teams to practice and one side of the wicket allowed for range hitting.
- No Practice or Fitness Tests on Match Days
Players are not allowed to practice or do their fitness tests on the venue to ensure the pitch remains in optimal condition.
- Accreditation is Mandatory on Match Days
Franchise staff need to carry their Identity card to avoid getting reprimanded and even incur monetary fines.
- Hitting on LED Boards is Prohibited
In the heat of the moment, players are often seen kicking the LED boards on the ground while batting or fielding. As these are sponsor boards and are expensive, BCCI has put a warning on any damage on the boards and repeat offenses may lead to huge fines on the franchise.
- Players Must Wear Orange and Purple Caps for Broadcast
The tournament brought in the concept of orange and purple cap. The caps change hands with Players who become leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker during the course of the tournament on a match-on-match basis.
BCCI and IPL governing team have made it compulsory for the player to wear the cap to maintain the tournament’s visual appeal during broadcast.
- No Sleeveless Jerseys or Floppy Hats in Post-Match Presentation
Cricketers are to follow strict dress code for post-match events. Sleeveless jerseys and floppies are banned.
- Limited Support Staff Allowed on Match Days
Franchise team to limit their support staff to 12, including the team doctor, during match days, similar to IPL 2024.
- Jersey Number Changes Require Prior Approval
Players need to inform BCCI if they are wanting to change their jersey numbers at least 24 hours in advance, as per the clothing and equipment guidelines.
- Use of 2 cricket balls
The umpire can use a second ball after the 11th over and it will be up to him whether to allow use of the second ball after looking at the conditions. The team can request the umpire to change the ball if they feel dew is playing spoilsport,” The Indian Express
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These IPL 2025 rule changes reflect BCCI’s intent to make the tournament more balanced and competitive while setting global standards. Whether it’s lifting the saliva ban or tweaking DRS usage, these innovations could redefine how cricket is played in the T20 era.
Stay tuned to SuperSports360 for the latest updates on IPL 2025 rule changes, player news, and all things cricket!
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