The BCCI has introduced significant changes to the playing conditions for IPL 2025, with the biggest update concerning slow over-rate offences. Captains will no longer face match bans for slow over-rates; instead, they will receive demerit points, similar to the ICC’s system, with a ban being imposed only in extreme cases.
During the captains and managers’ meeting at the BCCI office in Mumbai on March 20, officials confirmed that captains will now be penalized through a three-year demerit point system rather than immediate suspensions. The penalty structure is as follows:
- Level 1 offence: Fine of 25% to 75% of match fees + demerit points.
- Level 2 offence: If deemed serious, four demerit points will be assigned.
- For every four demerit points accumulated, the match referee can impose either a 100% match fee fine or additional demerit points, which could eventually lead to a match ban.
In previous IPL seasons, captains like Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) and Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians) had faced suspensions due to slow over-rates. Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians’ opening game in IPL 2025 due to an offence committed in the previous season. However, with the new system in place, such bans will now be a thing of the past unless multiple offences occur over time.
Additionally, the BCCI has confirmed that the Impact Player Rule will remain in effect at least until 2027, despite some criticism. Teams will continue to have the ability to substitute one player during a match, with a formal review of the rule scheduled after the 2027 season.
Another key change involves the Decision Review System (DRS). Players will now be allowed to review wides based on height and wides outside the off-stump. This is an amendment to the previous rule, which only permitted reviews for wides and no-balls called by the umpires.
These updates come alongside two previously reported changes:
- Lifting of the saliva ban that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The introduction of a second ball in the second innings to counter the impact of dew in night matches.
With these rule modifications, IPL 2025 is set to bring a fairer and more competitive playing environment while addressing key concerns raised by teams and players.