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In a latest development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expanded the role of the fourth umpire in the IPL matches, starting with the ongoing 2025 season. It is understood that the governing body of Indian cricket emphasised about the matter during the recent IPL Captains’ Meeting, stating that the fourth umpire shouldn’t be distracted or disturbed by the teams when they perform their duties during the match.
As per the exclusive report from Cricbuzz, the fourth umpire has the authority to randomly check bat size not only during match days, but also at the practice session of the teams. Since the fourth umpire operates from outside the field during the matches, they will check the players returned to their team’s dugout, especially the bowlers who complete their quota of overs during the match.
Players are requested not to approach the fourth umpire for any grievance against a decision: BCCI
Apart from that, the report also mentioned that the BCCI has made a clarification around specific instances when the batters can overrule the call of his captain. Moreover, the note of the BCCI on the minutes of Captains’ Meeting, specified that “the fourth Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the fourth Umpire for any grievance against a decision.”
“The fourth 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,” they added. Moreover, the fourth umpire is also set to act as the emergency third umpire, apart from supervising the selection of the ball for the match and allowing access to the pitch area to select personnel.
