Fourth Umpire Set To Play Bigger Role in IPL 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have expanded the fourth umpire’s duties, starting the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Unlike previous editions, the fourth umpire will now have a crucial role to play in the competition, including checking the size of the bats.

"The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision. The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days. They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota & those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest," a BCCI note, on the minutes of the Captains' Meet, specified.

The fourth umpire will also be the emergency third umpire. As usual, he will be responsible for carrying the box of balls for the clash and taking note of the people on the field. The umpire will also monitor the players who are walking back to the dugout, keeping a close eye on the bowlers who have completed their spell to ensure there’s nothing unfair. 

According to Cricbuzz, here are the other decisions that were taken at the meeting: 

20th Over: The entire innings has to be completed within the allocated time which will include the completion of 20 overs, this is different from ICC playing conditions which only takes into account the time till the 20th over begins.

Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: In an interrupted match the retired batter will be considered as a wicket down for DLS calculations.

Concussion Replacement: A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes. In case of wicketkeeper getting concussion, replacement will be permissible from the available squad. In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get a replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players.

Notification for Time Out: The notification only to be given by either Captain or the batsmen at the wicket (for the batting time out). Should the batsmen at the wicket request the time out, this will take precedence over any advice from the batting Captain off the field. Coaches can also request a Time Out to the fourth umpire in the event the captain is not available.

Team Sheets: Team sheets to be distributed after the toss. Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side. After the outcome of the toss, captains hand over the team sheet to the match referee. Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager.