The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced two significant alterations for the upcoming season of IPL 2025. First, cricketers can once again use saliva on the ball. Second, a new ball will be brought in during the second innings of evening matches after the 11th over. These alterations were revealed at a meeting in Mumbai on March 20 with IPL managers and captains. Key Decision Made by BCCI Ahead of IPL 2025 Second New Ball Rule During night IPL matches, dew tends to wet the ball, which is difficult for bowlers to hold. This is advantageous to the second team batting. To overcome this, BCCI has resolved that a new ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings. This regulation is likely to minimize the effect of dew and ensure the game is fair to both teams. According to a BCCI official, the decision to use a second ball would be made by the umpires depending on how much dew falls. That will be predominantly night matches, afternoon games could go without it. Also Read | Riyan Parag to captain Rajasthan Royals in first 3 matches Saliva Ban Lifted The prohibition on shining the ball with saliva was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the transmission of the virus. But with the pandemic now being over, most players have been requesting the removal of the rule. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was one of the strongest voices in favor of the reintroduction of saliva use. He explained that it aids bowlers to achieve swing and reverse swing, and hence, makes the game competitive. Other players such as Vernon Philander and Tim Southee supported this plea as well. Today, with the new regulation on board, bowlers are now allowed to employ both sweat and saliva to polish the ball, as it used to be before the pandemic. How Will These Changes Impact IPL 2025 Results? These two changes in rules are likely to make a significant difference in IPL 2025. The second new ball rule will make sure that the conditions are more even in night matches, and the return of saliva will enable fast bowlers to get more swing, reverse swing to be precise. With these changes, the BCCI hopes to make IPL matches more even and engaging for players and spectators.