The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will introduce a major difference to night games — the application of two balls to mitigate the effect of dew. The move, finalized at the captains’ conference in Mumbai on March 20, is intended to level the playing field, so to speak, in terms of the bat-vs-ball contest, making the game more even.
According to the new regulation, teams may ask for a ball change after the tenth over of the second innings, but the decision will be left to the umpires depending on field conditions. Significantly, the replacement will not be a new ball but a like-for-like one, ensuring continuity. This change will be made only in evening matches, where dew has traditionally favoured the batting team.
For several years, the dew factor has been a game-spoiler during IPL night games, leaving bowlers helpless in gripping the ball, particularly during critical stages of the second innings. Being unable to hold on to a slippery ball often resulted in wayward deliveries and weakened strategies.
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With the permission for a change of ball, the IPL governing council is seeking to counter this difficulty and build a more competitive landscape. In a dramatic turn of events, the IPL has also removed the ban on ball shining with saliva.
🚨 New rules at #IPL2025 🚨
🔹Saliva ban lifted
🔹A 2nd ball (after the 11th over) available for the second innings to counter effect of dew@vijaymirror has more: https://t.co/Tu3bx14neL pic.twitter.com/wenzScSqXK— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 20, 2025
The restriction was initially enforced in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then made a permanent rule by the ICC in 2022. Fast bowlers, famous for their expert reverse swing, had complained about this restriction. With the reinstatement of saliva for ball upkeep, IPL 2025 is the first top tournament to do so, creating euphoria among bowlers as they again have an essential tool of their arsenal.
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These modifications mark a new initiative on the part of the IPL administrators to maintain the competitive nature of the game with due respect for the requirements of players in all disciplines. While IPL 2025 draws closer, supporters look forward to an even-balanced contest and more interesting on-field dynamics.
