Fri Mar 21 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL Relaxes Saliva Rule, Introduces New Ball Option for Night Matches
**Mumbai, March 21, 2025** – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant rule change for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, starting this Saturday. The ban on using saliva to shine the ball has been lifted, a decision welcomed by fast bowlers who believe it will enhance their ability to swing the ball.
The reversal follows a meeting of franchise captains on Thursday, where a majority expressed support for the change. The ICC initially banned the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize player health. While bowlers have been permitted to use sweat, many felt it wasn’t as effective in generating reverse swing. The easing of COVID restrictions and subsequent calls from players like Mohammad Shami led to the BCCI’s decision. Gujarat Titans’ Mohammad Siraj lauded the move, stating it will allow bowlers to better control batsmen.
In another significant change, the BCCI will allow the use of a second ball from the 11th over onwards in night matches, to counteract the effects of dew and cold temperatures. This will not be an automatic rule, but will be at the discretion of the field umpires who will assess the level of dew. If a new ball is required, it won’t be brand new, but one of similar condition. This rule will not apply to day matches.
Furthermore, the use of Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology will be implemented to ensure more accurate wide ball calls. This will aid in determining wides bowled high and outside off-stump.
Finally, Rajasthan Royals announced that Riyan Parag will captain the team for the first three matches due to regular captain Sanju Samson’s fitness issues. Samson will play as an impact player, however as Impact players cannot be captains the team is opting for Parag.
First Piper 