Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the cricket ball for the IPL 2025 season. This decision comes after a meeting with franchise captains who voiced strong support for the change, marking a significant return to traditional bowling techniques that many believe will enhance the game.
The ban on saliva was initially implemented in May 2020 as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast bowlers have long relied on saliva to maintain the ball's shine, which is crucial for achieving swing—an essential element of fast bowling. With this ban lifted, bowlers can once again use saliva, potentially reviving the art of reverse swing that has been missing from white-ball cricket.
During a recent meeting at BCCI headquarters, captains from various franchises expressed their concerns about how the saliva ban was negatively impacting bowlers' performances. The majority agreed that allowing saliva would help restore balance between bat and ball, making matches more competitive and exciting.
The lifting of the saliva ban is expected to lead to more thrilling encounters in IPL 2025. With bowlers now able to shine one side of the ball, fans can look forward to seeing enhanced swing bowling, which adds an unpredictable element to matches. This change is particularly significant given the high-scoring nature of T20 cricket, where batters often dominate.
Fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami have welcomed this decision with open arms. Siraj stated, "This is excellent news for us bowlers! Using saliva will help maintain the shine on one side and increase our chances of achieving reverse swing." Shami echoed similar sentiments, emphasising how crucial this technique is for making bowling more interesting.
As IPL 2025 kicks off with its first match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), this rule change is anticipated to bring back some excitement and unpredictability that fans have missed since the pandemic began. The tournament will feature 74 matches across various cities, and with bowlers regaining their traditional tools, viewers can expect a thrilling spectacle.
The lifting of the saliva ban represents a significant shift back to pre-COVID cricket norms, allowing bowlers to leverage traditional techniques that enhance their performance.