IPL 2026: All you need to know about the new ball change rule

The IPL 2026 captains’ meet is set to touch upon multiple issues, including the Impact Player rule, the innings timer (60-second clock), the concussion substitute clause and the code of conduct rules. The central focus, however, will be on the two-bouncer rule, bat checks, ball replacement, use of saliva and the retired-out provision.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated to all franchises that Javagal Srinath (head of the BCCI's match referees panel) and Nitin Menon (head of the BCCI's umpires’ panel) will brief the captains in a meeting scheduled on Wednesday, March 25.

As per Cricbuzz, the BCCI also informed the franchises about the key changes in playing conditions, including Rule 4.4 (change of ball in the second innings); 5.8.3 (bat checks); 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 (deliberate short runs); 19.5.2 (fielder grounded beyond the boundary); 28.7.6 (restriction on the placement of the fielder); and Appendix D-3.9 (combining umpire review with player review).

While there is no significant amendment in the playing conditions, the rules related to ball replacement have been elaborated in detail when compared with the playing conditions for the previous edition.

Rule 4.4 in the latest playing conditions states:

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.

Team bowling second can request for a change of ball only once after the completion of the 10th Over. The bowling Captain can request a 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.

Scenario 1: Umpires change the ball for being wet/out of shape/lost/damaged at any time before the 10th over. The fielding captain can still request a ball change after the completion of the 10th over, and the umpires will have to mandatorily change the ball.

Scenario 2: 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.

Scenario 3: 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.