The “second ball” rule in the second innings of an IPL match has been causing some confusion. On Friday (March 21), the BCCI sent an email to the franchises to clear things up. They explained that more than two balls can actually be used in the second innings, which wasn’t clear to many before.
First of all, the ball should not be a new one but should have some wear and tear. Also, if the fielding captain asks to change the ball due to wetness or dew, the umpires must agree to change it even if they had already changed the ball an over earlier because of wetness, poor shape, or any other reason.
Teams can ask to change the ball due to dew only after the 10th over. However, the umpires have the right to change the ball at any time during the game if they feel it’s necessary.
“Team bowling second can request for a change of ball only once after the completion of the 10th Over. The bowling Captain can request for the 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.” BCCI States.
The BCCI has listed three situations when the ball can be changed:
- Umpires can change the ball for being wet/out of shape/lost/damaged any time before the 10th over. The fielding captain can still request for a ball change because of dew after the completion of the 10th over and the umpires will have to mandatorily change the ball.
- The captain requests to change the ball after the 11th over for being wet and the umpires change it. After further 5-6 overs the captain can request for another ball change but this time it will be the discretion of the umpires to change the ball or not.
- The captain feels the ball is damaged or out of shape & requests the umpires to change it during the 11th over, the umpires are satisfied & decide to change the ball. After 5 overs the fielding captain requests the umpires to change the ball because of dew, umpires will have to mandatorily change the ball.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Commentators List: All Languages Commentary Panel & Experts
