The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season continues the competition’s long tradition of innovation with the second ball rule. Strategic timeouts, Impact player rules, and other rules continue to redefine limited-overs cricket on the biggest stage.
A fresh set of rules debuting at IPL 2025 include the ‘second ball rule’ that allows teams access to another ball during matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also introduced other rules on saliva use, a fresh Code of Conduct, and decision review changes.
Let’s see what the IPL 2025 second ball rule is and how teams can take advantage of this feature in competitive games.
What is the IPL 2025 Second Ball?
The IPL 2025 ‘second ball rule’ allows bowling teams access another ball after the 10th over. Teams can take advantage of this feature during matches where dew can affect the nature of balls:
“To address challenges posed by dew during evening matches, the team bowling second will now have the option to request a ball change once after the 10th over,” an official IPL statement said concerning this rule.
Who Can Request for the Second Ball in IPL 2025?
Bowling teams can ask for a second ball according to these fresh rules. Bowlers must reach out to their team captains for such requests as they cannot approach umpires directly.
“The bowling captain can make this request, regardless of whether there is visible dew or not. Once the request is made, the umpires will mandatorily replace the ball with another one of similar wear and tear,” the official statement added.
Can the Bowling Team Choose the Replacement Ball?
Bowling teams can only request a replacement ball but cannot choose which balls will be in use during play. Only umpires can select balls and ensure their choice is similar in nature to replaced balls.
Can the Batting Team Request for a Second Ball?
Current rules suggest that the batting side can not request a replacement ball at IPL 2025. Requests for another ball can only come from the bowling team and must get approval from match officials.
Can Umpires Change the Ball Unilaterally?
Umpires can change balls before the 10th over during any IPL game where second ball rules apply. Match officials can choose to replace balls if:
- balls are wet,
- cricket balls become misshapen during use,
- balls are lost in the crowd or elsewhere,
- cricket balls are too damaged to use in competitive games
The umpire can make ball changes within the first ten overs but may not effect such a decision after this period. Only the bowling team captain can request a ball change based on stated IPL guidelines.
Will Second Ball Rules Apply in Afternoon Games?
Umpires officiating daytime matches will not consider the second ball rule. The rules will only apply to IPL 2025 games where dew may affect the overall nature of balls during play. No cricket team should expect to see their second ball call approved during afternoon matches.
Can the Bowling Team Make a Third Ball Change Request?
The fielding or bowling team captain can request another ball after every 5 to 6 overs. These requests are allowed only when balls are out of shape or too damaged for continuous use. Such a scenario can see the fielding team’s captain request for a fresh ball from match officials.
Can the Bowling Team Get More Ball Changes?
The bowling team captain can collaborate with umpires to make ball changes; however, scenarios differ. Bowling teams may get one (1) clear ball change request because of dew. Other changes apply only when umpires approve such a request.
BCCI Okays Use of Saliva on Balls for IPL 2025
Controversy trailed the BCCI’s ban on saliva before IPL 2020. However, the governing body referenced COVID-19 precautions as a major reason behind their decision.
The BCCI reviewed their decision, and the saliva ban will be lifted from IPL 2025. An announcement stating the ban’s lifting was shared after a high-stakes captains meeting in March 2025:
“Effective from the IPL 2025 season, bowlers will be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball. This decision follows consultations with all 10 team captains at the captain’s meeting and marks a return to traditional ball maintenance practices. The ban on the use of saliva, which was originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been lifted,” the statement read.
No-Ball and Wide-Ball Decision Reviews Expanded for IPL 2025
The BCCI also assessed and made changes to another vital feature related to calls on wide and no-balls – the Decision Review System (DRS). Fresh DRS calls will now cover no-ball reviews based on height along with wide-ball calls outside off-stumps. Hawk Eye technology will be a central part of this feature and ease ball-tracking measures.
Umpires will now find it easier to make consistently accurate decisions concerning no-balls and wide balls across IPL games. The BCCI held a meeting before IPL 2025 to discuss details with captains before announcing these changes on March 20, 2025.
