BCCI's Over-Rate Penalty System Revised in IPL 2025

In a significant decision before the IPL 2025 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revamped its system for punishing teams for slow over rates. Earlier, captains were handed out immediate match bans following repeated offenses. According to the new system, captains will be issued demerit points and penalties, and match bans will be reserved for the most serious cases. This shift is intended to promote fairness, acknowledging that over-rate problems can be caused by several reasons outside of a captain's ability to control.

Captains Fined for Slow Over Rates

Even after the updated penalty system, a few captains have already been penalized in the current season for slow over rates:

• Riyan Parag – Rajasthan Royals: Replacing the injured Sanju Samson, Parag was fined ₹12 lacks for slow over-rate in the game against Chennai Super Kings on March 30.​

• Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians: Even as the new rules have come into operation, Pandya is being banned for one match in IPL 2025 as a consequence of committing a third over-rate offense in the last season.

• Rishabh Pant – Lucknow Super Giants: Pant was slapped with a ₹12 lacks fine for a slow over-rate in the April 4 game against Mumbai Indians, even as his side won by 12 runs.​

• Rajat Patidar – Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Patidar was charged a ₹12 lakh fine for a slow over-rate in the April 7 game against Mumbai Indians, in which he scored crucial 64 runs in a 12-run victory.

• Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals: For a second offense, Samson was fined ₹24 lakh after a slow over rate during the 58-run defeat against Gujarat Titans.​

• Axar Patel – Delhi Capitals: Patel was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate during the April 13 match against Mumbai Indians, which Delhi Capitals lost by 12 runs.

Key Changes in IPL 2025 Regulations

Beyond the adjustments to over-rate penalties, the BCCI has introduced several other notable changes for the IPL 2025 season:

• Use of Saliva on the Ball: The ban on using saliva to shine the ball, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been lifted.
   
• Introduction of Two New Balls: To counter the impact of dew, two new balls will be used in each innings–one for each half of the 20 overs.
   
• Continuation of the Impact Player Rule: The Impact Player rule, allowing teams to substitute a player during a match, will continue to be in effect.

These changes reflect the BCCI's commitment to enhancing the game's pace and maintaining high standards of play.​