In a landmark decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The decision was finalized during a captains’ meeting held in Mumbai, where the majority of team captains expressed their support for the proposal.
The saliva ban, initially introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in May 2020 as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, was made permanent in 2022. However, the IPL, operating under its own playing conditions, has now become the first major cricket tournament to reintroduce the practice.
A senior BCCI official stated, “The saliva ban has been lifted. While some captains had reservations, the majority were in favor of the move.” The decision is expected to bring back reverse swing into the game, a skill that many bowlers have struggled to achieve in recent years.
The meeting also addressed other key topics, including the controversial Impact Player rule, which has been extended until at least 2027, and the introduction of DRS for height and off-side wides. Additionally, it was agreed that one ball would be changed in the second innings of evening games after the 11th over to counter the effects of dew.
This decision marks a significant shift in cricketing regulations and is likely to reignite discussions on the balance between bat and ball in the modern game. Stay tuned for more updates as IPL 2025 unfolds.
