IPL 2025: BCCI Clarifies DRS Rules and Introduces New Playing Conditions

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made significant clarifications to Decision Review System (DRS) protocols and introduced several new playing conditions for the ongoing IPL season, which commenced in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.

No Automatic Double Checks for DRS Referrals

In a crucial clarification, the BCCI has informed IPL teams that there will be no automatic double checks during DRS referrals. Specifically, a review will be limited to the original point of appeal, and any additional checks will be carried out only if the other side had reviewed it within the stipulated time.

As reported by Cricbuzz, on March 27, BCCI experts illustrated certain catches through visual presentation, making a case for each instance under the playing conditions. They have also done so for wide checks.

"For instance, if the bowling side reviews for a caught-behind, the umpires will not subsequently check for a wide," explained BCCI officials. "That will be checked only if the batting side opts for a review."

The clarification came after BCCI head of match referee Javagal Srinath and umpires head Nitin Menon addressed the teams during recent captains' meet at the BCCI office.

Detailed Example Provided

In a specific video presentation, the scenario showed a bowler delivering a short ball and appealing for a caught-behind. The appeal was turned down, and the bowling side opted for a review. Replays clearly showed the ball passing well above the bat, ruling out any chance of contact.

At this point, the BCCI experts stated that there will be no automatic check for a height wide. Henceforth, it will be reviewed only if the batting side opts for a review within the stipulated 15 seconds.

"Another 15 seconds will not be granted to the batter," the officials emphasized. "The contention is that the batting side will have had the knowledge of the action."

New Playing Conditions Introduced

Innings Timer & 60 Seconds Clock

The BCCI has introduced strict time-keeping measures to ensure matches progress at an appropriate pace:

• Innings timer will be shown on the linear scoreboard on the third ball and after the end of each over.
• The 60 seconds clock will be shown on the big screen after the end of each over.
• Teams will be warned by on-field umpires twice if the bowler is not ready with the run-up.
• On the third instance, 5 penalty runs to be awarded to the batting side.

Concussion Replacement Rules

The BCCI has clarified concussion replacement protocols:

• A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes.
• In case of wicketkeeper getting concussion, replacement will be permissible from the available squad.
• In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players.

Team Sheets Protocol

A new team sheet distribution system has been implemented:

• Team sheets to be distributed after the toss.
• Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side.
• After the outcome of the toss, captains handover the team sheet to the match referee.
• Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to Assistant Venue Manager.

These new regulations and clarifications aim to streamline match proceedings, reduce controversies around DRS referrals, and ensure fair play throughout the IPL season.