By Admin 
Before the start of the IPL season, an important meeting of the captains of all the teams will be organized, in which new rules and important information related to the tournament will be shared. According to Cricbuzz reports, this meeting will take place on Wednesday evening between 4:30 pm and 6 pm.
During this time, BCCI match referee chief Javagal Srinath and umpiring chief Nitin Menon will talk to all the captains. The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that all the teams fully understand the new rules, changes and guidelines related to the game, so that the tournament can run smoothly.
Important change regarding change of ball
Before the start of IPL 2026, an important rule change has come to the fore, which is considered a relief especially for the bowlers and captains. Now, during the second innings in evening matches, the captain of the fielding team will be able to ask for changing the ball once. The purpose of this rule is to reduce the effect of dew, which often creates problems for the bowlers in the second innings.
This rule has been introduced for the first time in the 2026 season. Under the new rule, the captain can appeal for change of ball only after completion of 10 overs. This demand can be made only after the over is over, not during the game. The special thing is that this facility will be applicable only in evening matches and not in day matches.
get a used ball
When the captain demands to change the ball, he will not be given a new ball. The umpire will give a used ball of the same type, which is in almost the same condition as the previous ball. This will maintain the balance of the game and no team will get any extra advantage.
The umpire has the final decision
Although the captain has been given the right to change the ball once, the final decision will remain in the hands of the umpire. Usually the first demand after 10 overs is accepted, but if there is a demand for change again later, it will completely depend on the decision of the umpire.
If the ball becomes too wet or spoiled before 10 overs and the umpire changes it, the captain will still have the right to make his strategic demand after 10 overs.
Opening match will be held on March 28
IPL 2026 will start from March 28, where the first match will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In such a situation, this new rule can further increase the excitement of this season.