New Rules, New Captains in Focus as IPL Kicks Off

New rules and new captains will be in focus, but the razzmatazz will be pretty much the same when the 18th Indian Premier League kicks off here on Saturday, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on perennial underachievers Royal Challengers Bengaluru amid a looming threat of rain.

- Press Trust of India

KOLKATA:

There is plenty to look forward to in the league. Among the most prominent rule changes is the lifting of the saliva ban. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will be allowed to use it to shine the ball.

The BCCI lifted the ban after receiving a majority consensus from IPL captains in a landmark decision taken at the captains' meeting in Mumbai.

The International Cricket Council had made the saliva ban permanent in 2022, but the IPL operates under its own regulations, and the latest move could set a precedent for the global game.

The 18th season will also witness tactical innovations, including a major change to counter dew's impact.