The wait is over as the 2025 IPL season is here as the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. This time, 5 out of the 10 teams will take the field with new captains.
Just two days before the start of the new season, BCCI held a crucial meeting with the captains in Mumbai, where some major decisions were made.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on the use of saliva and introduced a new rule regarding the use of a second ball in the second innings.
These two significant decisions were revealed during the meeting between the captains and managers at the Cricket Center in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20.
The Impact Player Rule Will Continue: It has been confirmed that the Impact Player rule will remain in place for IPL 2025. There were earlier reports suggesting the rule might be removed, but that is not the case.
Bowlers Can Apply Saliva To A Ball: BCCI has lifted the ban on the use of saliva on the ball. This decision allows bowlers to apply saliva once again, a practice that was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus. Now, bowlers will be seen using saliva on the ball in IPL 2025, just like before the pandemic.
Introduction Of The Second Ball In An Innings: In a new rule aimed at helping bowlers manage the effects of dew, a second ball will be used in the second innings of the match. The second ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings.
This change is designed to reduce the impact of dew, which often makes it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball and gives an advantage to the batsmen, who can capitalize on the conditions to score heavily.
