As the countdown to IPL 2025 begins, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a significant rule change: lifting the long-standing saliva ban on cricket balls.
This move, if implemented, could reshape the way bowlers approach the game, bringing back a traditional practice that was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to inside sources, the BCCI will discuss the proposal with all IPL team captains in a crucial meeting in Mumbai on March 21, 2025.
If approved, this rule change could influence global cricket, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its permanent ban on saliva usage.
Why Was the Saliva Ban Introduced?
The ICC initially banned the use of saliva in 2020 as a health and safety measure due to concerns over virus transmission.
Although players adapted by relying solely on sweat to shine the ball, the effectiveness of reverse swing and traditional swing bowling diminished, especially in shorter formats like T20 cricket.
By 2022, the ICC made the saliva ban permanent, arguing that sweat was a sufficient alternative.
However, many fast bowlers and cricketing experts have argued that sweat does not provide the same level of shine, especially for red-ball cricket and even limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s.
What This Means for IPL 2025
If the BCCI lifts the saliva ban, it could give fast bowlers an edge in T20 cricket, potentially making IPL matches more competitive between bat and ball.
The move could also set a precedent for other leagues and international tournaments to reconsider the rule.
A BCCI official, speaking on the matter, stated:
"Using saliva to shine the ball was an integral part of cricket before COVID-19.
Now that the pandemic is behind us, there's no harm in bringing it back—especially in the IPL, which sets global trends.
While its impact is more significant in Test cricket, even in T20s, bowlers need every possible advantage to balance the game."
Impact on Bowlers and Gameplay
Several former and current cricketers have supported lifting the saliva ban, including:
- Mohammed Shami (India) has previously emphasized how saliva helps in reverse swing, which is crucial in death overs.
- Tim Southee (New Zealand) argued that bowlers need more assistance, especially in high-scoring T20 games.
- Vernon Philander (South Africa, retired) – Advocated for maintaining traditional ball-shining methods to preserve the balance between bat and ball.
If approved, IPL 2025 could witness a shift in gameplay, where bowlers—especially pacers—might regain some lost ground in flat batting-friendly conditions.
Other Key IPL 2025 Rule Changes: DRS for Wide Balls
In addition to the saliva ban discussion, IPL 2025 is set to introduce a Decision Review System (DRS) for wide balls and height-based wides.
This rule change will allow teams to:
- Challenge wide ball decisions if they believe the on-field umpire’s call was incorrect.
- Utilize Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology to determine whether a delivery was actually too high or too wide.
This update aims to improve umpiring accuracy and prevent controversial decisions that could impact match results.
Could This Move Influence the ICC?
If IPL 2025 allows saliva usage, it might prompt the ICC to reconsider its stance, potentially leading to a global cricketing rule change.
The IPL, as the biggest and most influential T20 league, often sets trends that impact international cricket.
Will the Saliva Ban Be Lifted?
While the decision is still pending, the BCCI's move to discuss it with IPL captains suggests that a policy shift could be on the horizon.
If approved, it would mark a return to traditional bowling tactics, potentially changing the dynamics of IPL matches and influencing future international cricket regulations.
With IPL 2025 set to begin on March 22, cricket fans and analysts will be eagerly watching whether this bold rule change is implemented—and how it might shape the future of the game.
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