As Kolkata Knight Riders prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a series of significant rule changes that will come into effect from this season.

Second ball rule to tackle dew

In a bid to address the impact of dew in night matches, the BCCI has introduced a new provision allowing the bowling side in the second innings to request a change of ball once after the 10th over. The decision, approved unanimously by all franchise captains in a recent meeting, aims to aid bowlers—particularly spinners—who often struggle to grip the wet ball.

According to the new rule, the bowling captain can request a ball change, even if dew is not visibly present. Umpires will be required to replace the ball with one that is similarly worn, although teams will not have the option to choose the replacement ball.

KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy welcomed the move, saying it may help spinners regain control in crucial middle overs. RCB coach Andy Flower also backed the change, highlighting the strategic flexibility it provides to captains.

Saliva ban officially lifted

Another key update for IPL 2025 is the removal of the ban on using saliva to shine the ball. The ban, originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and later made permanent by the ICC, has now been reversed by the IPL following discussions with all 10 teams. Bowlers can now return to traditional ball-shining methods starting this season. However, both Varun Chakravarthy and Andy Flower downplayed its significance in the T20 format during pre-match press interactions.

New Code of Conduct with demerit points

The BCCI has also rolled out a new Code of Conduct that introduces a demerit points system and suspension points valid for a span of 36 months. This replaces the earlier rule where captains could be banned for one match after three over-rate violations.

DRS expanded to include wide and no-ball reviews

The Decision Review System (DRS) has been upgraded as well. Teams will now be able to challenge height-based no-ball calls and off-stump wide deliveries. Advanced technology like Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking will be used to assist the third umpire in reviewing these decisions.

Golden Badge for champions

In a symbolic move, the BCCI has introduced a ‘Golden Badge’ for defending champions. This year, KKR will be the first team to don the golden emblem on their shirts throughout the season, recognising their 2024 title win.

As cricket fever returns with the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, fans can look forward to a grand start with a star-studded opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Before the season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the stadium will light up with performances from renowned singer Shreya Ghosal, Punjabi artist Karan Aujla, and Bollywood actress Disha Patani.

Grand performances ahead of KKR vs RCB clash

The IPL’s traditional curtain-raiser will kick off at 6 PM IST, with musical and dance performances meant to set the festive tone of the season. Shreya Ghosal’s soulful vocals, Karan Aujla’s energetic Punjabi beats, and Disha Patani’s glam act are expected to be the highlight of the evening.

Rain may dampen ceremony, match in doubt

However, the celebration faces an uncertain forecast. As per latest weather predictions, drizzles are likely between 5 PM and 11 PM IST, raising concerns over potential delays or even cancellation of the opening ceremony and the first match.

How to watch IPL 2025 opening ceremony live

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Date: Saturday, March 22

Time: 6 PM IST

Live telecast: Star Sports Network

Live streaming: JioHotstar app and website

Fans are advised to keep an eye on weather updates and tune in early to not miss the live performances and the toss updates for the KKR vs RCB clash.

In a gesture of faith and philanthropy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family donated Rs 44 lakh to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Nitya Annadanam scheme on Friday, March 21, 2025. The amount equals the one-day cost of providing free meals to devotees at the hill shrine.

The donation coincided with the birthday of Naidu’s grandson, Nara Devansh. Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife N. Bhavaneswari, son and State IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and daughter-in-law Nara Brahmani, also participated in serving food to devotees visiting the temple.

The family arrived in Tirumala on the night of March 20 and had a darshan of Lord Venkateswara early on Friday morning.

TTD Chairman B R Naidu, Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao, and Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary received the Chief Minister at the temple entrance, offering traditional honours before escorting him into the sanctum sanctorum.

Following the visit, the CM was presented with theertha prasadams, the Telugu Viswavasu New Year almanac, a diary, calendar, and other temple-manufactured panchagavya prasadams. The ceremonial welcome also included vedasirvachanams by temple priests.

District Collector Venkateswarlu, Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju, and several TTD board members were also present during the Chief Minister’s visit.

The Nitya Annadanam scheme, which provides daily free meals to thousands of pilgrims, has long been a key part of TTD’s services, and Naidu’s donation underlines his family’s continued devotion to the temple.