The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This marks a significant shift in cricketing regulations post-pandemic, giving bowlers a crucial tool to enhance swing, particularly reverse swing.
Why Was the Saliva Ban Imposed?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) initially introduced the saliva ban in May 2020 as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, which was later made permanent in September 2022, aimed to minimize health risks associated with the spread of the virus.
For nearly five years, players had to rely solely on sweat and other polishing methods to maintain the shine of the ball. However, many bowlers found these alternatives less effective, especially in conditions that favor reverse swing.
What Led to the Ban Being Lifted?
The push to bring back saliva-based ball shining gained momentum after several senior players, particularly fast bowlers, voiced concerns over the decline of reverse swing in white-ball cricket.
Key Factors Behind the Decision:
- Bowlers’ Struggle: The saliva ban made it difficult for pacers to achieve consistent swing, particularly in dry and abrasive conditions.
- Players’ Demand: Senior Indian bowlers, including Mohammed Shami, advocated for the return of saliva, arguing that it was an essential part of fast bowling strategy.
- Captains’ Agreement: During a recent BCCI meeting with IPL franchise captains, a majority supported lifting the restriction to restore balance between bat and ball.
Impact on IPL 2025 and Beyond
For Bowlers:
- The return of saliva is expected to revive reverse swing, making death-over bowling more lethal.
- Pacers will have greater control over ball movement, leading to more competitive bowling spells.
For Batsmen:
- Batters will need to adapt to late movement, especially in the second innings of matches.
- Matches may become more balanced, shifting away from batting-dominated contests.
For Match Strategies:
- Teams may revise their tactics, using fast bowlers more aggressively in the final overs.
- Captains could favor experienced pacers capable of utilizing reverse swing effectively.
Final Thoughts
The BCCI’s decision to lift the saliva ban ahead of IPL 2025 is a major turning point, addressing bowlers’ concerns and restoring a crucial aspect of cricketing tradition. With fast bowlers regaining an edge, the upcoming IPL season is set to be more dynamic, unpredictable, and competitive than ever before.
Cricket fans can now look forward to high-intensity contests where both batters and bowlers get an equal chance to dominate!
