The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced significant changes to the playing conditions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The most notable update is the revision of penalties for slow over-rate offences, with captains no longer facing immediate match bans. Instead, they will be penalized with demerit points, and bans will only be enforced in extreme cases.
During the IPL captains’ and managers’ meeting held at the BCCI office in Mumbai on March 20, the board informed the franchises that a demerit points system, similar to the ICC’s approach, will be implemented. Captains will accumulate demerit points based on the severity of the over-rate offence, and these points will carry over for three years.
An internal communication revealed that a Level 1 offence will result in a fine of 25 to 75 percent of the match fee along with demerit points. A Level 2 offence, if deemed serious, will lead to four demerit points. Accumulating four demerit points could result in a 100 percent fine or additional points, potentially leading to a match ban in the future. However, slow over-rates will not immediately result in a match ban.
In the past, captains like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya have faced match bans for slow over-rates. Pant missed a crucial match for Delhi Capitals last season, while Pandya will sit out Mumbai Indians’ opening game of IPL 2025 due to an over-rate offence in the previous season.
Additionally, the BCCI confirmed that the Impact Player Rule, which allows teams to substitute one player during a match, will remain in effect until at least 2027. The rule has faced criticism but will be reviewed after the 2027 edition.
The BCCI has also amended the Decision Review System (DRS) clause, allowing players to review decisions related to height wides and wides outside the off-stump. Further details on the 2025 playing conditions are awaited.
Other changes include the revocation of the saliva ban and the introduction of a provision for a second ball in the second innings.
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