IPL New Rules | Rule Changes, Player Withdrawals, and Everything You Need to Know

IPL 2025: Rule Overhauls, Star Player Withdrawals, and a Bold New Format Ahead of the Season Opener

The Indian Premier League returns with its 2025 edition, launching on March 22 at Eden Gardens, where Kolkata Knight Riders will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With new rules, high-profile player withdrawals, and a reshaped format, this season is already creating waves before the first ball is bowled.

Two Cities, Four Playoffs, One Epic Finish

This season's playoff structure will span two cricketing hubs. Hyderabad will host the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 20 and 21, respectively. Then, the action moves to Kolkata for the Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the final on May 25. A total of 74 matches will be played across 13 cities over two months.

Multiple Home Grounds Again

Just like last season, three franchises will split their home games between two venues. Delhi Capitals will alternate between Delhi and Visakhapatnam, Punjab Kings will split their home fixtures between Mullanpur and Dharamsala, and Rajasthan Royals will play across Jaipur and Guwahati. The strategy aims to widen fan engagement while testing adaptability of squads.

A Familiar Format, With A Strategic Twist

The IPL continues with its 10-team structure divided into two virtual groups. Group A includes Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings. Group B features Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

Each team plays the other four teams in its group twice. One team from the opposite group is also played twice, selected based on seeding from the previous season. The remaining four inter-group teams are faced once. That keeps the schedule to 14 games per team: seven home, seven away. It’s a format designed to maintain balance and intensity throughout the league phase.

Big Changes in Playing Rules

IPL 2025 will see two significant rule changes that could impact the way the game is played and officiated.

First, the ban on using saliva to shine the ball has been lifted. Initially imposed due to COVID-19 protocols, the saliva ban had changed how bowlers maintained the ball. Its return may help bowlers regain traditional swing, especially under humid conditions.

Second, the league will adopt Hawk-Eye technology for a wider role. It will now assist umpires in judging off-side wides, head-high wides, and waist-high no-balls. This tech-backed officiating could reduce controversy around close calls, especially in high-stakes moments.

Star Players Out – Injuries & Withdrawals Impact Teams

Every IPL season sees its share of player unavailability, but IPL 2025 has seen some high-profile exits even before the first game.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the opening matches of the season as he continues to recover from a back injury. His absence leaves a big hole in Mumbai Indians' pace attack and could force them to reshuffle their bowling plans early on.

Lizaad Williams and AM Ghanzanfar have both been ruled out entirely. While not the most prominent names, their absence affects squad depth for their respective teams.

Mayank Yadav, one of the promising young pacers, will miss the first half of the season due to injury. Harry Brook has opted out of the season entirely, and Brydon Carse is unavailable after suffering a toe injury. These exits will test the bench strength of their squads and offer younger players a shot at proving themselves under pressure.

What This Means for the Season Ahead

The combination of fresh rules, evolving formats, and unexpected player withdrawals adds layers of unpredictability to IPL 2025. Teams will need to be tactically sharp and flexible, particularly in the early matches when injuries have disrupted squad balance.

The reintroduction of saliva might give bowlers a slight edge, especially in the opening overs, but Hawk-Eye's role in wide and no-ball decisions could swing the balance back toward batters, especially in death overs. The dynamic is set for close games, with decision-making becoming even more critical for captains and coaching units.

KKR vs RCB: The Curtain Raiser With High Stakes

All eyes will be on Eden Gardens for the season opener. Kolkata Knight Riders will look to assert dominance at home, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be eager to start strong after years of near-misses. Both teams come with seasoned cores and explosive potential, but like every season, early momentum could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

The Broader Picture

The IPL remains the most-watched T20 league globally, but what keeps it relevant is its ability to adapt. The 2025 edition is proof of that. Whether it’s rule innovations, scheduling flexibility, or an embrace of technology, the league continues to evolve with the game.

Fans, analysts, and players alike now wait to see how these updates play out on the field. One thing is certain: IPL 2025 is poised to be as unpredictable and intense as ever.