BCCI Revises IPL Playing Conditions: No More Match Bans for Slow Over-Rates
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced significant changes to the playing conditions for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The most notable revision addresses over-rate offences, where captains will no longer face match bans but will instead receive demerit points.
New Penalty System for Over-Rate Offences
During a meeting held at the BCCI office in Mumbai on March 20, the board informed the captains and managers of all 10 IPL franchises about the revised rules. The BCCI clarified that captains will be penalised with demerit points instead of being banned for slow over-rates.
According to an internal communique obtained by Cricbuzz, Level 1 offences will incur a fine of 25 to 75 percent of the match fees along with demerit points. These demerit points will be recorded and calculated over the next three years. For Level 2 offences, deemed more serious, the penalty will be four demerit points.
Demerit Points System Explained
Every time a captain accumulates four demerit points, the match referee can impose a 100 percent fine or additional demerit points. However, for slow over-rate offences, a match ban will not be enforced immediately.
The BCCI's decision comes after previous incidents where captains were banned for slow over-rates. Rishabh Pant missed a critical match for Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season due to a slow over-rate. Additionally, Hardik Pandya is set to miss Mumbai Indians’ opening game of IPL 2025 for a similar offence from the previous season.
Impact Player Rule to Remain Until 2027
The BCCI also addressed concerns about the Impact Player Rule, which has faced criticism from various quarters. The rule, which allows teams to substitute one player during a match, will remain in effect until the end of the 2027 IPL edition. The BCCI plans to review the rule only after the 2027 season.
DRS Clause Amended
The BCCI has modified the Decision Review System (DRS) clause in the playing conditions. Players will now be allowed to review decisions related to height-based wides and wides outside the off-stump. The 2024 IPL rules permit players to review any decision made by on-field umpires concerning wides or no-balls. However, the complete playing conditions for IPL 2025 are still awaited.
Other Changes
In addition to the demerit points system, the BCCI has revoked the saliva ban. Furthermore, a second ball will be introduced in the second innings to counter the impact of dew, which Cricbuzz has previously reported.
The revised playing conditions are expected to have a substantial impact on the IPL season, especially with the elimination of immediate match bans for slow over-rates.
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