The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for a major transformation in 2025 with the introduction of two significant rule changes. Firstly, the ban on saliva usage on the cricket ball, which was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been lifted. Secondly, to counter the dew factor in night matches, two balls will now be used during the second innings. After the 11th over, the fielding side can request a ball change, replacing the wet ball with a scruffed-yet-dry one.
These changes were finalized after the BCCI met with IPL captains, who supported the measures to make the competition fairer for bowlers. The new rules are expected to enhance game balance and strategic play.
The Return of Saliva: A Game-Changer for Bowlers
For the first time since 2020, bowlers will be allowed to apply saliva on the ball. The ban, initially enforced as a health precaution, had left bowlers relying solely on sweat to shine the ball, which proved less effective in maintaining swing.
The return of saliva is expected to boost bowlers’ effectiveness, particularly during the powerplay overs. Fast bowlers, in particular, will benefit from the enhanced aerodynamics and seam movement caused by the added shine.
Why Was Saliva Banned?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned saliva usage in June 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Though it was a temporary measure, the restriction remained in place for several years. However, with the pandemic behind us, cricketing authorities have decided to restore the traditional practice, allowing bowlers to regain a critical advantage.
Two Balls in the Second Innings: Tackling the Dew Factor
The dew factor has long been a challenge in T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, where many matches are played under lights. Dew makes the ball slippery, reducing bowlers’ grip and making it harder to execute variations.
To address this, the BCCI has introduced a two-ball rule:
After the 11th over in the second innings, the fielding team can appeal for a ball change.
The replacement ball will be scruffed but dry, making it easier for bowlers to grip.
Umpires will assess the playing conditions before approving the switch.
Impact of the Two-Ball Rule
This rule is designed to reduce the unfair advantage chasing teams often have in night games.
With a dry ball introduced mid-innings, spinners and pacers will have better control.
It may result in fewer high-scoring chases, making games more competitive.
Bowlers will have a greater chance of defending totals, creating more balanced contests.
Why These Changes Were Needed
The dew factor has been a persistent issue in T20 cricket, making it nearly impossible for bowlers to maintain accuracy in the second innings. Many IPL matches have been decided by the dew effect, with chasing teams having a clear edge.
Similarly, the saliva ban, while necessary during the pandemic, became an unfair disadvantage for bowlers, reducing their ability to generate swing. Several bowlers and cricketing experts have been calling for the return of saliva to restore the balance between bat and ball.
Reactions from Players and Experts
The new rules have received mixed reactions from players, captains, and cricketing experts.
Bowlers’ Relief:
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan welcomed the saliva rule, stating that it would “bring back the lost art of swing bowling”.
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised the two-ball rule, calling it a “strategic game-changer” that would help spinners grip the ball better during dew-heavy matches.
Concerns from Batters:
Some batters, however, have expressed concerns about the two-ball rule, arguing that it might disrupt the batting rhythm during chases.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden warned that the rule could lead to inconsistent playing conditions, as the new ball might behave differently.
Strategic Impact on IPL 2025 Matches
The introduction of two balls in the second innings is expected to significantly impact game strategies:
Bowling captains will likely introduce their spinners earlier in the innings, knowing they can switch to a dry ball after the 11th over.
Teams may revise their chasing strategies, as the dry ball could make scoring more difficult in the final overs.
Bowlers will have a higher wicket-taking potential with the improved grip, making close chases more thrilling.
On the other hand, the return of saliva could lead to more swing-friendly conditions, particularly in the powerplay overs, making early wickets more likely.
How the Changes Could Affect Team Compositions
With bowlers now having more favorable conditions, IPL franchises may rethink their team selections:
Pace bowlers with swing ability could be more valuable, especially with saliva making the ball move more.
Spinners could be used more strategically in the second innings, with the dry ball making it easier to grip and turn.
Teams may prioritize bowlers with better control and variation to capitalize on the mid-innings ball change.
The BCCI’s decision to introduce two major rule changes in IPL 2025 – the return of saliva usage and the introduction of two balls in the second innings – is a bold move aimed at restoring balance in T20 cricket. With bowlers gaining more leverage, the tournament is expected to be more competitive and unpredictable.
These changes not only enhance the contest between bat and ball but also bring new strategic dimensions to the game. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters in IPL 2025 as teams adapt to these new regulations.
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