The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, which had been in force since the early days of the COVID pandemic. After appeals from prominent fast bowlers, it came after a captains’ meeting in Mumbai where the majority of team leaders backed the plan.
In 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned saliva as a health precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the use of cricket balls from getting demised. This restriction was also enforced by IPL itself in accordance with the global guidelines as well. But in recent times, players and experts have also questioned the effect that this ban has had on the balance between bat and ball and, more particularly, the reverse swing bowlers.
In a bid to revive reverse swing in the game, India’s senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami was among those who have been calling for the return of saliva. While talking about the Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai earlier this month, Shami said, “We are trying to get reverse swing, but the use of saliva on the ball is not visible. We continue to appeal that we should be able to use saliva so we have got reverse swing back in the game and raise up the interest.” Vernon Philander and Tim Southee also echoed his sentiments.
After speaking to team captains, the BCCI became the first major body in cricket to lift the saliva ban after the pandemic. Furthermore, in order to address the dew factor in night games and keep the balance of the contest, the BCCI also put in an extra rule on a second new ball for the IPL 2025 season, increasing the strategic depth of the contest.
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