In a notable shift ahead of IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the long-standing saliva ban and introduced the use of a second ball in the second innings of matches—moves aimed at restoring traditional gameplay elements and enhancing fairness, especially in dew-affected night fixtures.
Key Decisions Finalized at Pre-Season Meeting
These changes were officially communicated during a captains and team managers’ meeting held at the BCCI’s Cricket Centre in Mumbai on March 20. According to a source present at the meeting, the new rules are designed to address long-standing player concerns and improve the competitive balance in evening games.
Second Ball Rule: A Game-Changer for Night Matches
The second ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings, specifically in matches played under lights. The idea is to neutralize the impact of dew, which has often tilted the balance in favor of the chasing team, especially after winning the toss.
This proactive measure ensures that bowlers have a fair grip and better control with a relatively newer ball unaffected by moisture—a challenge that has plagued many high-stakes IPL encounters in recent seasons.
“Dew has long been a deciding factor in night games. The second ball rule aims to reduce that undue advantage and ensure parity,” said an official familiar with the development.
Umpires will retain the discretion to assess dew levels and determine whether the conditions warrant a change of ball, making this rule situational rather than automatic.
Saliva Ban Officially Lifted
Equally significant is the BCCI’s decision to revoke the ban on saliva usage—a regulation that had been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The move follows widespread calls from players and experts alike, including Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who voiced his concerns about the ban’s impact on swing and reverse swing. His sentiments were echoed by several international bowlers, such as Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who advocated for a return to traditional ball-shining methods.
“With COVID no longer a global threat, there’s no medical reason to continue restricting saliva use,” a BCCI source said. “The focus now is on restoring natural gameplay and aiding bowlers, especially in pace-friendly conditions.”
Implementation Outlook
The saliva rule will take immediate effect for IPL 2025 and is expected to be welcomed by bowlers across the tournament. Meanwhile, the second ball regulation is likely to be used selectively, primarily in evening games where dew becomes a tactical concern. Afternoon fixtures are expected to proceed with the conventional single-ball format.
Conclusion
These updates reflect the BCCI’s responsiveness to evolving on-field challenges and player feedback. With these strategic rule tweaks, IPL 2025 is poised to offer more balanced contests and a return to classic cricketing dynamics—swing, reverse swing, and all.
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