The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially lifted the ban on the use of saliva and introduced a significant new rule—a second ball for the second innings of an IPL match. These key changes were announced ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 season by the BCCI and IPL management.
The new regulations were discussed in detail during a meeting held at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20, where captains and team managers were briefed. A source who attended the meeting confirmed the details.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a second ball in the second innings, which will come into play after the 11th over. The primary aim of this rule is to counter the dew factor, a common issue in night matches that often gives an advantage to the team batting second. By implementing this change, the BCCI hopes to create a more balanced playing field, reducing the impact of the toss on match outcomes.
Another major decision was the removal of the saliva ban, a move that had been widely anticipated. Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had been a vocal advocate for lifting the restriction, arguing that saliva plays a crucial role in generating swing and reverse swing. His appeal was backed by international stars like Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who also emphasized the importance of saliva in traditional fast bowling.
The saliva ban was initially enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of ICC’s health protocols to limit the spread of the virus. However, with the pandemic no longer a major concern, calls to reverse the rule had been growing stronger, with Shami among the most prominent voices pushing for the change.
As for the second ball rule, the final call will rest with the on-field umpires. “It will be up to the umpires to decide whether the ball needs to be changed based on the presence of dew,” a source explained. This rule will mainly impact night games, and it’s unlikely that a second ball will be used in day matches.
These changes are set to bring a fresh dynamic to the IPL 2025 season, ensuring more fairness and competitiveness across matches.