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IPL captains are meeting the BCCI on March 25, to clarify all major rules ahead of the 2026 season. The meeting would start at 4.30 PM and end by 6 PM.

As stated in a BCCI note circulated to the franchises, there are various rules which would be discussed and clarified: innings timer (60-second rule), Impact Player rule, concussion substitute rule, code of conduct among others.

However, the focus will be primarily on a couple of points:

• Two-bouncer rule
• Bat checks
• Ball replacement
• Use of saliva
• Retired-out rule

The meeting will begin with a brief introduction by the IPL COO Hemang Aming, followed by a presentation of the rules, in which senior officials Javagal Srinath, Head of the match referees' panel, and Nitin Menon, Head of the umpires' panel, would also make presentations to the captains.

The playing conditions were shared with the franchises recently by the BCCI, with few updates and clarification on few of the rules.

Following are the key rules highlighted:

• Rule 4.4 - Change of ball in the second innings
• Rule 5.8.3 - Bat checks
• Rules 18.5.1 & 18.5.2 - Deliberate short runs
• Rule 19.5.2 - Fielder beyond boundary
• Rule 28.7.6 - Field placement restriction
• Appendix D-3.9 - Umpire review with player review

There may not be any significant changes to most of the rules except the ball replacement rule, which is mentioned with more clarity.

The rule says:

"Ball lost 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 which has had wear comparable with 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."

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With the new rules, there is a clear indication when a ball can be replaced in the second innings.

• The bowling team can only have the ball replaced once, post 10th over
• The request can be made after the completion of an over
• Only allowed in second innings in evening matches
• Umpires can replace the ball at any point if deemed unfit

Scenario 1: If the umpire replaces the ball before the 10th over, as it is damaged or wet. If captain asks for a ball change after 10th over again, the change must be allowed.

Scenario 2: If the captain has already asked for a replacement of the ball after 11th over, then, any later request has to be permitted only by the umpire.

Scenario 3: If the ball is changed at the 11th over, due to damage. However, if the captain asks for another replacement of ball after 11th over, because of dew then, the umpire must allow the replacement.

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Topics such as team sheet, toss process, broadcast duties, award ceremony among others, would also be covered. However, the specifics are still not finalized or amended much, from last season.

The meeting with the captains is crucial as it would help clear doubts ahead of the start of the tournament. With new rule amendments, teams are now better equipped for IPL 2026.