"IPL 2025: BCCI leverages new technology for precise no-ball and wide decisions"

MUMBAI: Ahead of IPL 2025, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has unveiled a cutting-edge system to enhance accuracy in no-ball and wide decisions, particularly for short-pitched deliveries.

Under the current IPL rules, fast bowlers are permitted two bouncers per over, with a third being called a no-ball. Additionally, any delivery that passes above the batter's head is classified as a wide. The newly introduced technology aims to ensure these calls are made with near-perfect precision.

Expanding on its technological advancements from IPL 2024, where waist-high full tosses were assessed using player-specific waist measurements, the BCCI has now taken a step further for IPL 2025. This year, the system has been upgraded to include precise measurements of a batter’s shoulder and head height as well.

"The height measurements—waist, shoulder, and head—will be recorded when the batter is standing upright in the popping crease. This data will then be integrated into the system used by Hawk-Eye operators, who work alongside the third umpire to review waist-high full tosses and short-pitched deliveries for no-balls and wides," a source told TOI.

These refinements aim to provide more accurate and consistent decisions on deliveries that vary based on individual player height. Since the previous IPL season, the BCCI has also introduced a Smart Replay System to improve decision-making speed and efficiency.

IPL 2025 will see a fresh lineup of officials as seven new umpires have been added to the panel. This move aims to enhance the quality of officiating and ensure more accurate decision-making throughout the tournament.

To provide emerging officials with experience in high-stakes matches, the BCCI has added seven new Indian umpires to the IPL 2025 panel. The newcomers include Swaroopanand Kannur, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Parashar Joshi, Anish Sahastrabuddhe, Keyur Kelkar, Koushik Gandhi, and Abhijeet Bengeri.

Seasoned officials S Ravi and CK Nandan have been appointed as mentors for the umpiring team in the upcoming season.

“Koushik Gandhi, a former Tamil Nadu cricketer with 34 first-class matches to his name, has quickly risen through the ranks in officiating. Despite being in just his second season as an umpire, his commendable performances have earned him opportunities in women's internationals, the Women's Premier League, and now the IPL,” a source revealed.

The international umpiring lineup for IPL 2025 will feature Michael Gough, Chris Gaffaney, and Adrian Holdstock. Meanwhile, notable absentees from the previous season include former Sri Lankan spinner Kumar Dharamsena and Anil Chaudhary, who has transitioned to television commentary.