As the Indian summer bonanza gets underway from March 22 at Chepauk, the organisers of the Indian Premier League have introduced a variety of rules for the games going forward.
Some are an extension of pre-existing rules while some make their IPL debuts this year.
Two Bouncers Rule
Carrying forward the rule from India's domestic T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, BCCI will now allow bowlers to deliver two bouncers per over. The move is being perceived as an effort to provide a more balanced contest between batters and bowlers.
Smart Replay System
Starting 2024, IPL will feature the Smart Replay System that will facilitate accurate and quick decisions. Deviating from tradition, Hawk-Eye will have 8 hi-speed cameras placed across the field.
The TV Umpire can directly contact Hawk-Eye operators to view visuals like split screen and quick real time images. The role of the TV Broadcaster will no longer be necessary, who used to earlier be the intermediary between operators and the umpire.
Catch Review for Stumping Referrals
While this is similar to the ICC regulation, the BCCI allows for stumping referrals to be reviewed for a caught behind, ensuring fairness for the fielding team. The ICC rule, meanwhile, allows stumping referrals to only be reviewed for a catch if recommended by the on-field umpire.
No Stop Clock Rule
Despite the ICC implementing the stop clock rule across white-ball tournaments, IPL will not be utilising it. The rule mandates that the fielding team not take more than a minute between two overs.
The Impact Player rule introduced last year is set to continue in 2024 as well.