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Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expanded the role of the fourth umpire in the current IPL 2025 season. During the captains' meeting, the BCCI stressed the importance of minimising distractions for the fourth umpire, ensuring they can carry out their duties without interference.
BCCI gives more power to fourth umpire
Notably, they now have the authority to conduct random checks on bat sizes, both during matches and practice sessions, to prevent players from using non-compliant equipment.
Moreover, the fourth umpire will now closely monitor players returning to the dugout, with a particular focus on bowlers who have completed their over quotas. This measure aims to address the common practice of bowlers leaving the field to rest after finishing their overs, ensuring fair play and adherence to regulations.
"The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision," a BCCI note, on the minutes of the Captains' Meet, stated.
"The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days. They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota & those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest," the statement further added.
The BCCI has further expanded the fourth umpire's responsibilities, designating them as an emergency third umpire when needed. Additionally, they are now tasked with overseeing the selection of new balls, transporting a box of at least six balls to the dressing rooms and monitoring the teams' choices.
To maintain order and ensure fairness, the BCCI has also instructed the fourth umpire to control access to the pitch area during the start of play and intervals. Only authorized personnel, including IPL match officials, players, team coaches, and designated television crew, are permitted in this zone. This measure aims to prevent any unauthorized interference or disruptions during crucial moments of the match.
Here are the few other key calls which were taken during the captains' meeting:
20th Over: The entire innings has to be completed within the allocated time which will include the completion of 20 overs, this is different from ICC playing conditions which only takes into account the time till the 20th over begins.
Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: In an interrupted match the retired batter will be considered as a wicket down for DLS calculations.
Concussion Replacement: A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes. In case of wicketkeeper getting concussion, replacement will be permissible from the available squad. In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get a replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players.
Notification for Time Out: The notification only to be given by either Captain or the batsmen at the wicket (for the batting time out). Should the batsmen at the wicket request the time out, this will take precedence over any advice from the batting Captain off the field. Coaches can also request a Time Out to the fourth umpire in the event the captain is not available.
Team Sheets: Team sheets to be distributed after the toss. Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side. After the outcome of the toss, captains hand over the team sheet to the match referee. Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager.
