The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a groundbreaking decision by lifting the ban on the usage of saliva on cricket balls in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
This rule, imposed during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being scrapped after captains of the IPL teams approved the move during a key meeting held on March 20, 2025.
The BCCI had internally deliberated on the matter, leaving the final call to the captains, who have now permitted saliva use in the upcoming season.
The usage of saliva was banned to minimize health risks associated with the virus, significantly impacting the fast bowlers’ ability to generate reverse swing. However, in the meeting held in New Delhi, captains collectively agreed to reintroduce saliva, signaling a return to traditional cricketing techniques.
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had advocated for the reintroduction of saliva use, emphasizing its importance in crafting reverse swing.
The first match of the IPL 2025, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is set to take place on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The cricketing world awaits to see the impact of this rule change as IPL 2025 promises a thrilling season ahead.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how this change will affect the dynamics of the game, especially for bowlers.
Cricket enthusiasts and players alike await the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) next move regarding the saliva ban in global competitions. For now, IPL 2025 stands as a new chapter in cricket’s history.
