IPL 2025: New Indian Umpires to be Mentored
The upcoming IPL 2025 season is gearing up for some exciting changes, and one of the most notable is the introduction of seven new Indian umpires. This move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) highlights their commitment to developing domestic talent and providing promising officials with valuable experience. The BCCI is keen on giving these umpires exposure in high-profile matches.
Mentorship by Veterans
The BCCI has also decided to provide mentorship to these new umpires. Veteran umpires S Ravi and CK Nandan, both with significant international experience, will guide them. This mentorship program is crucial for the development of the young umpires, allowing them to learn from seasoned professionals.
The Seven New Umpires
The new umpires selected for IPL 2025 are:
- Swaroopanand Kannur
- Abhijeet Bhattacharya
- Parashar Joshi
- Anish Sahastrabuddhe
- Keyur Kelkar
- Koushik Gandhi
- Abhijeet Benge
Koushik Gandhi, for instance, is a former Tamil Nadu player. He has been fast-tracked into the IPL after performing well in women's internationals and the Women's Premier League.
International Umpire Presence
In addition to the Indian umpires, three international umpires will also officiate in IPL 2025: Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, and Adrian Holdstock. Their presence adds another layer of expertise and offers the Indian umpires opportunities for interaction and learning.
Rule Changes in IPL 2025
The BCCI has introduced a couple of changes to the rules just before the start of the season.
- Saliva on the Ball: The use of saliva on the ball, which was banned for a while, is now permitted again. This change is expected to help bowlers. Players like Mohammed Shami have also spoken in favor of this rule.
- Dew Rule: To tackle the dew factor in the second innings, a second ball will be used from the 11th over, ensuring better conditions for the team bowling second.
IPL 2025 Opener
The IPL 2025 season will kick off on March 22, with a match between the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With rule changes and talented teams, the season is expected to be thrilling.