BCCI Allows Bowlers to Use Saliva on the Ball in IPL 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has removed the ban on using saliva to shine the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. According to news agency PTI, this decision was made after a meeting with IPL team captains in Mumbai. However, the BCCI has not yet released an official statement.
Why Was the Ban Imposed?
The use of saliva on the ball was banned in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Cricket Council (ICC) still follows this rule in international matches.
Other Rule Changes in IPL
Players can now take DRS (Decision Review System) for waist-high no-balls and wide balls.
Captains will not be banned for slow over rates. This rule was changed after Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant faced one-match suspensions.
How Does Saliva Help Bowlers?
Applying saliva helps fast bowlers swing the ball better. Bowlers shine one side of the ball while keeping the other side rough. This makes the ball move in the air, making it harder for batters to hit.
There are two types of swing:
Conventional Swing: Happens with a new ball when both sides are shiny. Bowlers use their wrist and hand skills to swing it either way.
Reverse Swing: Happens when the ball gets older. The rough side makes the ball move in the air towards that side.
ICC Still Against Using Saliva
Even though BCCI has lifted the ban for IPL, the ICC has not changed this rule for international cricket. In 2022, the ICC made the saliva ban permanent. Also, international matches still do not allow DRS for wides and no-balls.
Earlier Penalties for Using Saliva
Last year in IPL, players were fined if they used saliva on the ball.
First and second-time offenders were warned.
A third offense led to a fine of ₹10 lakh or 25% of the match fee.
Players Want ICC to Lift the Ban
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has asked the ICC to allow the use of saliva again. Former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee and ex-South African all-rounder Vernon Philander have also supported this demand.
Southee and Philander Support Shami’s Demand to Lift Saliva Ban
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami recently requested the ICC to lift the ban on using saliva on the ball. Now, former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee and former South African all-rounder Vernon Philander have supported his demand.
Shami Wants Saliva Ban Removed for Reverse Swing
After India’s victory against Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal, Shami spoke to the media and urged the ICC to allow saliva on the ball again. He said, “We are trying to get reverse swing, but without saliva, it is difficult. We request the ICC to allow it again to make the game more exciting.”
Southee: “Time to Remove the Ban”
Backing Shami’s statement, Southee told Cricinfo, “This rule was introduced during COVID-19 when the virus was spreading worldwide. But now, it’s time to take the risk and remove the ban.”
He also added, “As a bowler, you always look for some advantage. Nowadays, teams score 300+ runs frequently in ODIs. There should be something in favor of the bowlers too.”
Philander: “Reverse Swing Could Have Helped South Africa”
Philander agreed with Shami and said that reverse swing could have helped South Africa in the Champions Trophy semifinal against New Zealand.
He explained, “The ball was worn out, and if saliva had been allowed, it could have been shined on one side for reverse swing. This would have benefited South African bowlers and changed the match result.”
In that semifinal, New Zealand batted first and scored 362/6. South Africa managed 312/9 in their 50 overs.
ICC Banned Saliva During COVID-19
The ICC first introduced the saliva ban as a temporary rule in May 2020 due to COVID-19. However, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.