IPL 2026 Ball Change Rule Explained: BCCI Takes Major Decision; Trouble For Batters?

New IPL rules set to challenge batters [Source: AFP]The IPL governing body is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2026 season grand and fair, and ahead of the marquee event, the IPL governing body has made several changes, which would reduce the gap between teams batting first and batting second. Earlier, batting second in the IPL had a clear advantage, as chasing was easy under lights.Moreover, with the dew settling in, the bowlers had nothing for them, and the gap widened between the bat and ball, making the IPL contests less interesting.However, with the IPL 2026 just around the corner, the BCCI has made some strong changes in the rules, that would make the upcoming season even more interesting.IPL 2026 new ball change rule explainedIPL management’s biggest issue during matches is the dew factor, which affects almost every contest. Teams deliberately choose to field after winning the toss, which guarantees them a great shot at winning the match. However, that advantage has been removed as IPL has come up with something new.Team bowling second can request for a change of ball only once after the completion of the 10th over. The bowling captain can request for the 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 outfieldThis request must be made only after the end of an over and not during an over. The umpires will change the ball with another ball having the same wear and tear. Further, the umpires can also change the ball at their discretion at any time during the match.Earlier, the rule stated that umpires had the sole discretion on changing the ball if and when they felt it had got wet because of dew, which is a big factor at certain venues. Hence, this new rule change will give some respite to the IPL bowlers.Also Read: RCB Confirm Virat Kohli's Opening Partner For IPL 2026Rules added if a ball gets lost or gets damaged in an IPL matchThe IPL governing body has also introduced a rule that if a ball gets lost, cannot be found, or gets damaged during the play:lf, 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.This would give advantage to the bowlers as they'll be able to generate reverse swing in the death overs, and the batters will find it hard to time the ball for a six or a boundary.Other major rule changes made before IPL 2026Not only the ball change rule, but several other changes have also come in before the IPL 2026:1. Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 of the side wickets on the main square to do range hitting. For the Mumbai venue (Mumbai Indians home), if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.2. No open nets will be allowed.3. If one of the teams finishes their practice early, other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.4. No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square. For example, in the IPL 2026 opener between SRH and RCB, the two teams cannot have their players run, or give fitness test on the surface where the match will be played.5. On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play. Player family members and friends to travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff ( throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to BCCI. Once approved, non- match day accreditations will be issued for the same.6 Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.7. No practice will be allowed on Match daysAlso Read: IPL Winning Team Officially Sold Ahead Of 2026 Season