BCCI has issued a clear directive to all Indian Premier League (IPL) teams regarding Decision Review System (DRS) protocols, stating that there will be no automatic double checks during referrals. Moving forward, a review will be strictly limited to the original point of appeal. Any additional checks or secondary reviews will only be carried out if the second side actively requests them within the stipulated time limit.
Automatic double checks for DRS referrals not allowed
To illustrate this, if the bowling side reviews an on-field decision specifically for a caught-behind, the third umpire will not subsequently check the delivery for a wide. That secondary aspect will only be reviewed if the batting side independently opts to use one of their own reviews. According to a Cricbuzz report, BCCI experts used visual presentations to illustrate specific scenarios, including catches and wide checks, to the franchises to establish clear precedents under the tournament's playing conditions.
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In one particular demonstration video shown to the teams, a bowler delivers a short ball and appeals for a caught-behind. After the on-field umpire turns the appeal down, the bowling side calls for a DRS review. While replays clearly show the ball passing well above the bat (ruling out any chance of contact), the BCCI experts stated that the third umpire will not automatically check if the delivery should be called a wide for height.
Henceforth, the third umpire will only review that aspect if the batting side opts for a review within the standard 15-second window. The batting side will not be granted an additional 15 seconds to make their decision after the first review's replays are shown. The BCCI's contention is that the batting side already has sufficient knowledge of the delivery's height to make an informed decision. These rules were addressed to the franchises by BCCI head of match referees Javagal Srinath and umpires head Nitin Menon during a recent Captains' meeting.
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Innings Timer and the 60-Second Clock
To speed up the pace of play, an innings timer will now be displayed on the linear scoreboard on the third ball of the match and after the conclusion of every over. Additionally, a 60-second countdown clock will be shown on the big screen at the end of each over. Fielding teams will be given up to two warnings by the on-field umpires if their bowler is not ready to begin their run-up before the clock runs out. If a team violates this rule a third time, a penalty of 5 runs will be awarded to the batting side.
Concussion Replacements
If a player sustains a head or neck injury, a like-for-like replacement may be selected from the team's nominated substitutes. In the event that a wicketkeeper suffers a concussion, the team is permitted to bring in a replacement from the available squad. Furthermore, if a team has already started the match with the maximum limit of four overseas players and one of them suffers a concussion, they must pick their replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players.
Post-Toss Team Sheets
The process for submitting playing rosters has also been updated, with team sheets now set to be distributed strictly after the coin toss. Captains will carry one sheet each for their batting and bowling lineups. Once the outcome of the toss is decided, the captains will hand over their finalized team sheets to the match referee. Following this, both team managers will hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager and exchange sheets with one another.