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The Indian Premier League (IPL), a Twenty20 cricket league that has captivated audiences worldwide, is set to embark on its 2025 season with a fresh set of regulations aimed at enhancing the playing experience and maintaining the integrity of the game. As Kolkata Knight Riders prepare to clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness not only the on-field battles but also the impact of these newly implemented rules. The most significant of these changes revolves around the use of a second ball during the second innings of night games, a strategic move designed to mitigate the challenges posed by dew. Furthermore, the lifting of the saliva ban, a measure initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, marks a return to traditional ball maintenance practices. The introduction of a new Code of Conduct, complete with demerit points and suspension protocols, underscores the league's commitment to upholding ethical standards. Additionally, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to encompass height-based no-ball reviews and wide-ball reviews, empowering umpires with advanced technological tools. Finally, the introduction of the 'Golden Badge' for the defending champions adds a touch of prestige and recognition to their achievement. These comprehensive changes reflect the IPL's ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving conditions, address player concerns, and ensure a fair and engaging competition for all stakeholders. The introduction of the second ball is a direct response to the challenges faced by bowlers, particularly spinners, during evening matches when dew can significantly affect ball grip and movement. By allowing the team bowling second to request a ball change after the 10th over, the league aims to level the playing field and provide bowlers with a more consistent surface to work with. The decision to lift the saliva ban, while controversial, reflects a growing sense of confidence in the management of the pandemic and a desire to restore a fundamental aspect of cricket's history. Bowlers have long relied on saliva to shine the ball, creating swing and seam movement that can deceive batsmen. The new Code of Conduct, with its demerit points system, seeks to deter misconduct and ensure that players adhere to the league's ethical standards. The expansion of the DRS is a testament to the IPL's commitment to leveraging technology to improve the accuracy of officiating. Finally, the 'Golden Badge' serves as a symbol of excellence and a source of pride for the defending champions.
The rationale behind the introduction of the two-ball rule is rooted in the recognition that dew can have a significant impact on the dynamics of evening cricket matches. As moisture accumulates on the outfield and the ball, it becomes increasingly difficult for bowlers to grip the ball effectively, hindering their ability to generate spin and seam movement. This disadvantage can disproportionately affect spinners, who rely on precise control and subtle variations in their deliveries. By allowing the bowling team to request a ball change after the 10th over, the IPL aims to mitigate the impact of dew and provide bowlers with a more consistent surface to work with. The rule stipulates that the bowling captain can make the request regardless of whether there is visible dew or not, ensuring that the decision is based on the team's assessment of the prevailing conditions. Once the request is made, the umpires are obligated to replace the ball with another one of similar wear and tear, preventing the bowling team from gaining an unfair advantage by selecting a ball that is excessively worn or damaged. The change was unanimously agreed upon at the IPL captain's meeting in Mumbai, indicating a broad consensus among team leaders regarding the need to address the challenges posed by dew. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy expressed optimism about the rule's potential to assist spinners, suggesting that it could provide them with a more favorable environment to bowl in during the crucial middle overs. RCB head coach Andy Flower also welcomed the change, emphasizing the importance of allowing captains to make decisions based on their understanding of the game situation. The lifting of the saliva ban marks a significant departure from the temporary measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ban, which prohibited bowlers from using saliva to shine the ball, was initially introduced to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. However, as the pandemic has subsided and vaccination rates have increased, there has been a growing call to reinstate the traditional practice of using saliva to shine the ball. Bowlers have long argued that saliva is essential for maintaining the ball's shine and generating swing and seam movement, which are crucial elements of their arsenal. The IPL's decision to lift the saliva ban reflects a growing confidence in the management of the pandemic and a desire to restore a fundamental aspect of cricket's history. The decision followed consultations with all 10 teams, indicating a broad consensus among stakeholders regarding the need to reinstate the practice.
The introduction of the new Code of Conduct signals the IPL's commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring fair play. The Code of Conduct, which is modeled after the ICC's framework, introduces a demerit points system and suspension protocols for violations of the league's rules and regulations. The demerit points system assigns points to players for various offenses, such as dissent, abuse of equipment, and inappropriate behavior towards umpires or other players. If a player accumulates a certain number of demerit points within a specified period, they may face suspension from matches. The introduction of suspension points adds another layer of accountability, allowing the league to impose more severe penalties for repeated or egregious offenses. The new Code of Conduct effectively replaces the previous system, which automatically imposed a one-match ban on captains after three over-rate offenses. This change reflects a recognition that over-rate offenses are often the result of factors beyond the captain's control, such as injuries or delays in the game. The expansion of the Decision Review System (DRS) represents a significant investment in technology aimed at improving the accuracy of officiating. The DRS, which allows teams to challenge umpires' decisions, has become an integral part of modern cricket. The IPL's decision to expand the DRS to include height-based no-ball reviews and wide-ball reviews demonstrates its commitment to leveraging technology to correct errors and ensure fair play. Height-based no-ball reviews will utilize Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology to determine whether a bowler's delivery was above the permissible height, preventing bowlers from unfairly exploiting the batsman's lack of height. Wide-ball reviews will allow teams to challenge umpires' decisions regarding whether a delivery was outside the off-stump, addressing concerns about inconsistent officiating. The introduction of the 'Golden Badge' adds a touch of prestige and recognition to the defending champions. The Golden Badge, which will be worn on the shirts of the Kolkata Knight Riders, serves as a visible symbol of their achievement and a reminder of their status as the reigning champions. The badge is intended to inspire the defending champions to continue striving for excellence and to motivate other teams to challenge for the title.
Source: IPL 2025: From two balls to saliva ban being lifted - new rules in a nutshell