The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), allowing teams to sign short-term replacements for wicketkeepers. This provision ensures that a franchise is not left without a specialist behind the stumps if all their designated keepers are unavailable. Typically, once a squad is finalized before the season, no temporary signings are allowed. However, according to a report from Cricbuzz, this exemption permits franchises to bring in a replacement if all their wicketkeepers are injured or unavailable. The replacement will only stay until one of the regular wicketkeepers returns to action. If the unavailable player is an overseas cricketer and the team has already filled its quota of eight foreign players, the replacement must be an Indian player. Apart from this, the BCCI has also clarified rules regarding season-ending injuries. If a player suffers an injury that rules him out for the entire tournament, franchises can sign a replacement. However, this rule is only applicable if the injury occurs before the team’s 12th league match. A doctor appointed by the BCCI must confirm the player’s unavailability. Read also: Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025 Season BCCI’s Approval and Salary Cap Rules All replacement signings require approval from the BCCI. Once a replacement player is signed, the injured or unavailable player cannot return for the rest of the season. If a player withdraws due to national commitments or lack of a No Objection Certificate (NOC), they can also be replaced. Franchises can only sign replacement players from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), a list of unsold players from the IPL auction. The salary of the replacement player cannot exceed that of the original player. Additionally, while the replacement’s salary does not count toward the team’s cap for the current season, it will be included if the contract extends into the next year. Despite this rule being in place, no IPL franchise has ever used the short-term wicketkeeper replacement clause. However, this provision remains available for emergencies, ensuring teams are never left without a proper wicketkeeper during a match.