By Rohit - Mar 20, 2025 05:57 PM
In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball. The decision, which marks a major shift in post-pandemic cricket regulations, was taken during a captains' meeting in Mumbai on March 20, 2025. A majority of IPL team captains were in favor of the move, leading to the BCCI's decision.
A senior BCCI official confirmed the decision, stating, "The saliva ban has been lifted. Majority of captains were in favour of the move."
The use of saliva to shine the ball has been a long-standing practice in cricket, helping bowlers achieve swing movement. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) initially imposed a temporary ban on saliva application in 2020 as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent, citing health concerns and the need to maintain bio-safety protocols.
Following ICC guidelines, the IPL also implemented the saliva ban in its playing conditions. However, since the IPL operates under BCCI’s jurisdiction, it has the flexibility to modify certain playing conditions, provided they do not contradict ICC regulations in international cricket.
The IPL has now become the first major cricketing event to reintroduce the use of saliva post-pandemic. The move could be seen as an effort to restore traditional bowling practices and aid fast bowlers in swinging the ball effectively, especially in a format where batters often dominate.
The decision has sparked discussions within the cricketing community, with some experts applauding the return to conventional methods, while others caution against potential health risks. With advanced medical awareness and improved hygiene protocols, the risk factors associated with saliva use may be lower than during the height of the pandemic.
The lifting of the saliva ban could significantly impact bowlers, particularly those who rely on swing. It may restore balance between bat and ball in a format that is largely seen as batter-friendly.
Additionally, the move may encourage other cricket boards to reconsider their stance on saliva use in domestic leagues. Whether this decision influences the ICC’s long-term regulations remains to be seen.
As IPL 2025 gets underway, cricket fans and players alike will closely observe how this change affects match dynamics and whether it leads to any further regulatory shifts in global cricket.
The BCCI has decided to continue with the Impact Player Rule, which allows teams to substitute one player during a match to enhance strategic flexibility.
These rule updates, along with the saliva ban reversal, are set to make IPL 2025 an exciting tournament with significant changes to playing conditions.
Also Read: Best Bowling Figures For India In Champions Trophy History
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