BCCI Adds New Rules For IPL 2025; Expands Fourth Umpire’s Role

Aakash Saini

BCCI gives more responsibilities to fourth umpires for IPL [Source: @BishrajRawat/YouTube]BCCI gives more responsibilities to fourth umpires for IPL [Source: @BishrajRawat/YouTube]

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expanded the role of fourth umpires in IPL matches. On the day of the captains’ meet ahead of the IPL 2025 season, the BCCI emphasized that fourth umpires should not be distracted by teams during match time as they play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of a game.

The BCCI also stated that fourth umpires are now authorized to randomly check the size of the bats at any point of the match day, even during practice sessions at the venues.

BCCI hands more responsibilities to fourth umpires

A BCCI note, as specified on the day of the IPL 2025 captains’ meet states that fourth umpires should not be approached by any player or by any team management member for any grievance against a decision. Furthermore, the BCCI note stated that fourth umpires are now authorized to check the size of the player’s bats at any point of the match day, even when the players are engaged in practice sessions.

Additionally, fourth umpires will now be manually monitoring bowlers who are leaving field after completing their quota of overs.

Among other rules and regulations implemented by the BCCI for IPL, fielding teams are now required to complete their entire 20 overs within the allocated time. It differs to the ICC rule that only takes into account the time till the final over begins.

For concussion replacement, only like-for-like replacements may be taken from the nominated substitutes in IPL games.

IPL 2025 updates

The IPL 2025 season kicked off on March 22 with a high-octane match between RCB and defending champions KKR. After KKR mounted 174-8 from 20 overs courtesy of Ajinkya Rahane’s blinder, swift half-centuries from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli ensured the RCB gunned down its target in just 16.2 overs with seven wickets to spare.

The action will now continue on March 23 with an exciting double-header in Hyderabad and Chennai.