The IPL 2025 season brings two major rule changes that will impact how cricket is played. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to:
- Lift the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to shine the ball with saliva again.
- Introduce a second ball in the second innings of night matches to counter the effects of dew.
These changes aim to create a fairer contest between batters and bowlers, making IPL 2025 more exciting and competitive.
Saliva Ban Lifted – A Relief for Bowlers
Since 2020, saliva has been banned to shine the ball due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Instead, players were only allowed to use sweat, which was less effective in maintaining the ball’s shine.
The BCCI has now lifted this ban because:
- No more health risks – With COVID-19 under control, saliva use is no longer a concern.
- Helps fast bowlers – Saliva makes the ball smoother and shinier, helping bowlers get more swing.
- Creates balance—The game had become batter-friendly, as bowlers struggled to get movement in the air. The return of saliva brings back an important bowling skill.
How Saliva Helps in Cricket
Bowlers use saliva to smooth one side of the ball while allowing the other to become rough. This helps in two ways:
- Regular Swing – A new ball with one shiny side moves in the air, making it difficult for batters to judge its path.
- Reverse Swing-In the later overs, maintaining one side with saliva while letting the other roughen up causes the ball to swing unpredictably, often tricking batters.
Many players, including Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, have requested this rule change, as saliva is crucial for bowlers to maintain control over the ball.
Second Ball in the Second Innings – A Solution for Dew
Another major rule change is the introduction of a second ball in the second innings of night matches.
Why is This Rule Needed?
In evening games, dew makes the ball wet and slippery, making it difficult for bowlers to grip and control their deliveries. This gives batters an unfair advantage, as the ball does not swing or spin properly. The BCCI has introduced a second ball option for the second innings to fix this issue.
How Will This Work?
- After the 11th over of the second innings, the fielding team can switch to a new ball if needed.
- The umpires will decide if the ball needs to be changed based on the amount of dew.
- The fresh ball will help bowlers maintain control, reducing the batting team’s advantage.
How Will This Change the Game?
- Bowlers get a better grip – A dry ball will help them bowl more effectively.
- More balanced matches – The second innings will not be completely one-sided in favor of batters.
- Exciting finishes – With bowlers able to bowl at full strength, matches will be more competitive.
What These Changes Mean for IPL 2025
With the saliva ban lifted and two balls used in the second innings, IPL 2025 will be a more balanced and thrilling tournament.
- Fast bowlers will get their swing back, making it harder for batters to dominate.
- Dew will no longer be a big issue, ensuring fairer night-match contests.
- Fans will enjoy closer and more unpredictable matches as the battle between bat and ball becomes more even.
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