Sunny Seasons Greetings, IPL Reignites!
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back, bringing midsummer madness to cricket-crazy Indians! With the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, the competition is set to heat up as 10 teams battle it out for supremacy.
In this year's tournament, the rules have undergone some changes to ensure a more balanced and exciting gameplay. Let's take a look at the new IPL 2021 rules.
Slow Over Rates
To maintain the flow of the game, IPL 2021 has enforced stricter penalties for slow over rates. Teams falling behind the required over rate could face fines and suspensions for repeated offenses. The specific penalties for 2021 haven't been detailed, but the aim is to ensure timely completion of matches.
Saliva Ban
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of saliva to shine the ball was globally banned starting from 2020, affecting IPL as well. In IPL 2021, this ban is still operative, meaning bowlers cannot use saliva to maintain ball condition. However, by IPL 2025, the ban was lifted, allowing the use of saliva again as a ball-shining method to aid bowlers.
Impact Player Rule
Introduced in IPL 2021, the "Impact Player" rule allows teams to substitute one player during a match, at any point before the end of the 14th over of either innings. This strategic substitution doesn't necessarily require the replaced player to bat or bowl, offering teams greater tactical flexibility. The rule has been retained for subsequent seasons, including IPL 2025.
"Un-Dew" Advantage (Ball Replacement Rule)
Dew often makes the ball wet and difficult for bowlers to grip during night matches. IPL 2021 did not officially have a ball replacement provision for dew, but in IPL 2025, a new rule was introduced to replace the ball in the second innings after the 11th over at the umpires’ discretion to counter dew. The ball can be changed to a scruffed, yet dry ball, thus balancing conditions for bowlers and batsmen in evening matches.
As the IPL continues to take place at various stadia across the country, fans are prepared to watch the games despite high temperatures. The side fielding second in night games is expected to benefit from the introduction of the second new ball. The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, are starting their quest for a fourth title.
The previous penalty for a third offence of slow over rate was a one-match suspension and a fine of Rs 30 lakh. Under the new rules, captains will now receive demerit points instead of being docked games for slow over rates. Players can now use spit to achieve a partial shine on the ball, which will help bowlers reverse swing the ball.
The IPL is known for its high level of excitement and spectator participation. With these new rules in place, the tournament promises to be more balanced and thrilling than ever before. So, gear up for an action-packed season of cricket!
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the more balanced and thrilling gameplay in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), as stricter penalties for slow over rates and new rules such as the Impact Player rule are set to shake up the competition. With the tournament's renowned excitement and spectator participation, fans can look forward to an action-packed season of cricket.
