Related Articles
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has broadened the role, duties, and responsibilities of the fourth umpire in IPL matches to ensure smooth execution and maintain fairness in the game.
During the recent Captains’ Meeting at the Cricket Centre, BCCI strictly instructed teams not to disturb or distract the fourth umpire, emphasizing their crucial role in the match. Additionally, new rules regarding player decisions and over-rulings have been introduced.
Table of content
- 1 Expanded Role of the Fourth Umpire
- 2 Key IPL 2025 Rule Updates & Decisions
- 3 1. 20th Over Completion Rule
- 4 2. Retired Out, Super Over & DLS Rule
- 5 3. Concussion Replacements
- 6 4. Notification for Time Out
- 7 5. Team Sheet Distribution After Toss
- 8 Implications for IPL 2025
- 9 Share this:
- 10 Like this:
- 11 Related
Expanded Role of the Fourth Umpire
The fourth umpire, who primarily operates from outside the boundary line, now has the following key responsibilities:
- Random Bat Checks: Can check the size of bats anytime, including during practice sessions.
- Field Exit Monitoring: Special attention to bowlers who leave the field after completing their quota of overs.
- Emergency Third Umpire Role: Will step in if required.
- Ball Management: Responsible for carrying a box with at least six new balls to the dressing room and supervising the ball selection.
- Pitch Access Restriction: Ensures that before play and during intervals, only authorized personnel—including match officials, players, team coaches, and select TV staff—are allowed on the pitch area.
“The fourth umpire is an important member of the officiating team and the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players must not approach them for grievances,” the BCCI stated in the minutes of the meeting.
Key IPL 2025 Rule Updates & Decisions
1. 20th Over Completion Rule
- Unlike ICC’s playing conditions, IPL mandates that the entire innings must be completed within the allotted time—including the 20th over.
- In ICC matches, only the start of the 20th over matters, but IPL will ensure full completion within the time limit.
2. Retired Out, Super Over & DLS Rule
- In an interrupted match, a retired batter will now be considered as a wicket lost for DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) calculations.
3. Concussion Replacements
- Like-for-like replacements can be taken from the nominated substitutes.
- If a wicketkeeper suffers a concussion, the replacement must come from the available squad.
- If an overseas player is concussed and the team already has four overseas players, the replacement must be an Indian player from the nominated substitutes.
4. Notification for Time Out
- Only the captain or the on-field batsmen can request a batting time-out.
- If a batsman at the wicket requests a time-out, it will override any instructions from the captain off the field.
- Coaches can request a time-out through the fourth umpire if the captain is unavailable.
5. Team Sheet Distribution After Toss
- Captains will carry one copy each of the batting and bowling line-ups.
- After the toss outcome, captains will submit the team sheet to the match referee.
- Team managers will exchange copies and hand over 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager.
Implications for IPL 2025
With the fourth umpire’s role expanding, teams must now follow stricter protocols regarding on-field behavior, equipment checks, and replacements. Additionally, the new rules regarding time-outs, retirements, and playing conditions will add a new strategic dimension to the tournament.
These changes reflect BCCI’s commitment to enhancing fairness, security, and discipline in the IPL, ensuring a smoother and more competitive tournament for players and fans alike.
