IPL 2025 rule changes: BCCI lifts saliva ban, introduces second ball for 2nd innings

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced significant rule changes for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), including lifting the ban on the use of saliva for ball maintenance and implementing a second ball for the second innings. These decisions, aimed at enhancing the quality of play and addressing persistent gameplay concerns, were announced during a meeting with team captains and managers at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on March 20.

According to Cricbuzz, a source attending the meeting confirmed that these changes are part of broader efforts to balance competitive fairness and restore traditional cricketing techniques. The modifications are expected to have a notable impact on match dynamics, particularly in night games, where dew often skews conditions in favour of the chasing team.

Why Has BCCI Lifted the Saliva Ban for IPL 2025?

The decision to revoke the saliva ban marks a return to conventional cricketing practices after nearly five years of pandemic-induced restrictions. Initially introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2020 as a biosecurity measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the restriction prohibited players from using saliva to shine the ball, a long-standing technique in fast bowling.

However, with the pandemic no longer posing the same level of risk, calls to reverse the rule have gained momentum. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been among the most vocal advocates for reinstating saliva use, arguing that it plays a crucial role in generating swing and reverse swing, especially in longer formats and late-innings bowling.

“We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches,” Shami had stated after a Champions Trophy match in Dubai. His views were echoed by international bowlers like Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, both of whom have emphasised the need for traditional ball-shining methods to be reinstated.

The saliva ban had forced players to rely solely on sweat for ball maintenance, a substitute many fast bowlers found inadequate for achieving the desired movement in the air. While modern cricket has evolved with new ball-handling techniques, the reintroduction of saliva is expected to bring back a crucial aspect of fast bowling strategy, especially in the death overs.

Historically, saliva use has been an integral part of cricket, particularly in Test matches and one-day internationals, where swing bowling is a key factor. Legendary pacers such as Wasim Akram and Dale Steyn have long emphasised its importance in their ability to move the ball both ways. With the IPL featuring some of the world’s best fast bowlers, this rule change is expected to restore an important tactical element to the game.

What Is the Purpose of the Second Ball in IPL’s 2nd Innings?

One of the most striking rule changes for IPL 2025 is the introduction of a second ball for the second innings, a move designed to counter the impact of dew, which often affects match conditions in floodlit games.

Under the new regulation, the second ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings. The primary motivation behind this decision is to neutralise the unfair advantage often enjoyed by teams batting second in dewy conditions. In past seasons, the presence of dew has made it significantly harder for bowlers to grip the ball, reducing its effectiveness for spin and seam movement.

According to Cricbuzz, this rule is specifically aimed at ensuring a more level-playing field in night matches, where dew accumulation can make it difficult for bowlers to control the ball. By allowing a fresh ball midway through the second innings, the BCCI aims to give bowlers a better chance of executing their strategies despite adverse weather conditions.

How Will the Second Ball Rule Be Implemented?

The implementation of the second-ball rule will be at the discretion of the on-field umpires, who will assess the conditions and determine whether the dew has significantly impacted play. The decision to switch to a second ball will not be automatic and is expected to be used primarily in night games rather than afternoon fixtures, where dew is not a factor.

An official source from the BCCI, quoted by Cricbuzz, stated, “It’s up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew.” This flexible approach ensures that the rule is only applied when necessary rather than being a mandatory change in every second innings.

While some cricketing experts have welcomed the rule as a fair adjustment to counter dew-related challenges, others have expressed concerns about its potential impact on match strategies. A fresher ball in the latter half of an innings could assist fast bowlers, making chasing slightly harder than in previous seasons. This adjustment could lead to more balanced contests, particularly in high-scoring matches where dew traditionally favoured the chasing team.

How Will These Changes Impact IPL 2025?

The introduction of these rule modifications is expected to reshape the tactical aspects of IPL matches, particularly in how teams approach bowling strategies and second-innings chases.

For fast bowlers, the lifting of the saliva ban provides an opportunity to regain control over swing bowling, potentially making powerplay and death-over bowling more effective. Spinners, however, may not experience a drastic change, as their reliance on gripping the ball remains largely unaffected by saliva usage.

The second-ball rule, on the other hand, is likely to impact teams’ approach to batting second. Historically, teams chasing in dewy conditions have benefited from easier batting conditions, often resulting in higher success rates. By introducing a second ball, the BCCI is attempting to create a fairer environment, ensuring bowlers have a better chance to execute their plans despite challenging weather conditions.

From a strategic standpoint, captains may need to rethink their bowling rotations and second-innings batting orders. The availability of a new ball midway through an innings could influence when key batsmen take risks and how teams pace their chases.

Additionally, franchises may place greater emphasis on bowlers with strong seam control and adaptability to exploit the freshness of the second ball. Teams that have historically struggled with bowling in dewy conditions may find this rule beneficial in curbing the dominance of high-scoring chases.

What Does This Mean for the Future of T20 Cricket?

While these rule changes are IPL-specific, they could set a precedent for other T20 leagues and international tournaments to follow suit. The saliva ban reversal signals a broader shift toward normalising traditional bowling techniques post-pandemic, potentially influencing ICC regulations in global competitions.

Similarly, the second-ball rule could prompt discussions about standardising playing conditions in night matches across various formats. If successful in IPL 2025, this adjustment may encourage other cricket boards to explore similar solutions to mitigate the impact of dew on competitive balance.

With the IPL continuing to be a trendsetter in modern cricket, the BCCI’s latest rule changes reflect an ongoing effort to refine the sport’s mechanics while maintaining fairness and excitement for players and fans alike.