Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made key changes to the playing conditions for IPL 2025, including a new penalty system for slow over-rates, ensuring captains will no longer face immediate match bans. Instead, they will accumulate demerit points, with a ban enforced only in extreme cases.
New Over-Rate Penalty System
During a meeting with captains and managers in Mumbai on March 20, the BCCI informed all 10 franchises that a system similar to the ICC’s demerit points model will be implemented for over-rate offences.
• Level 1 Offence:
• Fine: 25% to 75% of match fees
• Demerit Points: Accumulated for the next three years
• Level 2 Offence (serious cases):
• Four demerit points awarded
• Consequence of accumulating demerit points:
• Every four demerit points may lead to a 100% fine or further penalties
• Immediate match bans will not be imposed for slow over-rates
A BCCI source clarified, “Captains will receive demerit points, but they won’t face an immediate match ban for slow over-rates. However, repeated offences could lead to stricter penalties.”
Recent Over-Rate Bans and Impact of the New Rule
In previous IPL seasons, captains Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) and Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians) faced match bans due to slow over-rates. Under the new rule, Hardik Pandya would have been available for Mumbai Indians’ opening game of IPL 2025 instead of serving a ban for last season’s offence.
Impact Player Rule to Stay Until 2027
The BCCI has also decided to continue the Impact Player Rule until IPL 2027. The rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, a move that has received mixed reactions.
A BCCI official stated, “The Impact Player Rule will be reviewed only after IPL 2027. For now, it remains part of the tournament’s structure.”
Changes in Decision Review System (DRS)
The Decision Review System (DRS) rule has been modified, now allowing:
• Height-based wide ball reviews
• Wides outside the off-stump to be challenged
The 2024 IPL playing conditions already allowed players to review wide and no-ball decisions. The final 2025 IPL rulebook is yet to be released.
Other Notable Changes for IPL 2025
• Saliva Ban Revoked: Players can now use saliva on the ball, lifting the COVID-era restriction.
• New Second Ball Rule: The second innings will have a fresh ball introduced to counter dew, ensuring fairness for both teams.
