New Delhi: The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just two days away, set to begin on March 22, 2025. Ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, a crucial meeting of all ten franchise captains was held in Mumbai on March 20. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made several rule changes following this meeting, including discussions on the controversial Impact Player Rule.

Will the Impact Player Rule Be Removed in IPL 2025?

The answer is no. The Impact Player Rule will continue to be implemented in IPL 2025. After deliberations among team captains, BCCI has decided to retain this rule, which has been a topic of debate since its introduction. Many former and current cricketers have shared their opinions on the rule, with some arguing that it diminishes the importance of all-rounders. Under this rule, teams often opt for a specialist batter or bowler as an Impact Player instead of relying on all-rounders.

BCCI Lifts Ban on Saliva Usage for Shining the Ball

One of the biggest changes announced after the captain’s meeting is the lifting of the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball. This restriction was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent virus transmission. With the pandemic now under control, BCCI has decided to allow players to use saliva once again to maintain the ball’s condition.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player Rule allows teams to substitute one player from their squad of five designated substitutes into the playing XI during a match. Captains must submit their playing XI and the five substitute players after the toss. Any one of these substitutes can replace a player in the playing XI at any point during the match. However, the replaced player cannot return to the game once substituted.

When Was the Impact Player Rule Introduced in IPL?

The Impact Player Rule was first introduced in IPL 2023. The first instance of its implementation took place in the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT).

List of IPL 2025 Captains for All 10 Teams

  • Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
  • Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel
  • Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill
  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane
  • Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Rishabh Pant
  • Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya (Suryakumar Yadav for the first match)
  • Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shreyas Iyer
  • Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Sanju Samson (Riyan Parag for the first three matches)
  • Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Rajat Patidar
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Pat Cummins

With IPL 2025 set to begin, teams and fans alike will be eager to see how these rule changes impact the game. Stay tuned for more updates on the biggest cricket league in the world