 "IPL 2025: BCCI reportedly brings in new partial replacement rule to enhance flexibility; here’s how it works")
In a major move ahead of IPL 2025 , the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly introduced a new partial replacement rule, allowing franchises to sign temporary player replacements under specific circumstances. This rule will primarily benefit teams dealing with unexpected wicketkeeper shortages, offering them more strategic flexibility during the season.
How does the new replacement rule work?
Previously, IPL teams were required to make permanent replacements for injured or unavailable players, with no option to bring in temporary stand-ins. However, for IPL 2025, the BCCI has reportedly implemented a special exemption rule that will allow teams to recruit temporary wicketkeeper replacements under the following conditions:
“If all the registered wicketkeepers in a squad are unavailable, the franchise can request a short-term replacement from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), a list of unsold players from the IPL 2025 auction,” a Cricbuzz report stated.
The replacement player must be of Indian nationality, even if the original unavailable wicketkeeper is an overseas player. The replacement will remain in the squad only until one of the original wicketkeepers regains fitness, after which the temporary player must be released. The replacement must be signed before the franchise’s 12th match of the season.
Why has BCCI introduced the new rule?
The wicketkeeper position is crucial in T20 cricket, and teams have often faced short-term crises due to unexpected injuries or national duty commitments. By allowing temporary replacements, BCCI aims to ensure teams do not suffer due to a lack of specialist keepers.
Other replacement clauses in IPL 2025
Apart from the special exemption for wicketkeepers, the BCCI has reiterated and clarified the conditions under which a player can be replaced for the remainder of the season. These include:
Season-ending injuries or illnesses (confirmed by medical experts).
National team commitments (FTP obligations).
Lack of No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a player’s home board.
Retirement from all forms of professional cricket (excluding IPL-specific retirements).
The IPL 2025 is set to begin on 22 March with an opening clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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