This year's Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to get underway with multiple new rules. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already issued a bunch of new rules on the team's practice sessions ahead of the matches to be played in the IPL 2026 season. A series of rules regarding the ball change, is also expected to be mentioned ahead of the tournament. The board will issue a clear guideline to all ten teams of the tournament, describing when the teams will be allowed to change a ball in the middle of a match.
Cricbuzz reported that in the IPL captains' meeting with the board, there will be multiple crucial topics on the table for discussion including the ball replacement rules.
"According to a BCCI communique to the franchises on Tuesday, accessed by Cricbuzz, Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon - heads of the BCCI's match referees and umpires' panels, respectively - will address the captains. The meeting is scheduled from 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday (March 25)," the media report informed.
In the previous edition of the tournament, there was a bit of a lack of clarity regarding the ball change rule. Ahead of the 2026 season, the board wants to make sure that all teams have a clear idea when they will be allowed to ask the umpire to change the ball.
According to Rule 4.4 (Ball not found or becoming unfit for play):
If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball that has had wear comparable to that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced, the umpire shall inform the batter and the fielding captain.
Team bowling second can request a change of ball only once after the completion of the 10th Over. The bowling Captain can request a change. This is applicable only once during the 2nd innings of the evening games, irrespective of whether there is dew or no dew on the outfield.
This request must be made only after the end of an over & not during an over. The umpires will change the ball with another ball having the same wear & tear. Further, the umpires can also change the ball at their discretion at any time during the match.
How will the Indian Premier League 2026 teams benefit from the new rules?
The purpose of setting the rules is to keep a balance between the two competitive teams. It is often noticed, especially during the evening and night matches, that the team bowling second faces trouble with the ball. During the night and evening hours, dew drops on the grass make the ball wet. Bowlers and the fielding side use a towel to keep the ball dry, so that bowlers can grip it well.
As the rules are clearly stated, fielding sides in the IPL 2026 will have clarity when they should request the umpires to change the ball.
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