The controversy surrounding the ban on using saliva to shine the cricket ball has reached new heights as Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) draws the attention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Shami, a senior player for India, raised his concerns during the ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizing the need for saliva to help bowlers regain the reverse swing that is increasingly difficult to achieve in modern-day cricket, which is becoming a predominantly batters’ game.

In a significant turn of events, days after Shami’s appeal, the BCCI is actively considering lifting the saliva ban in IPL 2025, set to start on March 22. A PTI report suggests that the proposal has been discussed extensively within BCCI’s internal circles, and it will be presented to the captains of all IPL teams in an upcoming meeting in Mumbai. The BCCI believes that the ban on saliva, initially imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has hindered bowlers’ ability to generate reverse swing, especially in the white-ball formats of the game, such as IPL 2025.

Saliva Ban in Cricket and its Impact on Bowlers

The tradition of using saliva to shine the ball and generate reverse swing has been an integral part of cricket for decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the temporary suspension of this practice. In 2022, the ICC made the saliva ban permanent as part of its effort to minimize the spread of the virus. The IPL, adhering to ICC’s regulations, also incorporated the saliva restriction into its playing conditions.

Yet, with the pandemic no longer a major concern, the BCCI has expressed that it sees no reason why the saliva ban should continue, particularly in a tournament as influential as the IPL, which often sets trends in cricket. According to a senior BCCI official, “Using saliva on the ball was part of the essence of the game until COVID hit. Now that we don’t have that threat anymore, we feel there is no harm in lifting the ban on saliva in the IPL.”

The official went on to say, “While we understand that saliva has a more substantial impact on red-ball cricket, allowing bowlers to use it in the IPL could still help them a bit in the white-ball game. The IPL is a trend-setting tournament, and we hope to see how the captains feel about this change.”

Mohammed Shami’s Push for Saliva Usage in Cricket

Mohammed Shami, who has been vocal about the challenges facing fast bowlers, made his case during the ICC Champions Trophy. Following India’s thrilling four-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final, Shami addressed the issue of saliva use on the ball. “We are trying to get reverse swing, but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed,” he said. “We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and make it more interesting.”

Shami’s appeal highlights the growing frustration among fast bowlers, who believe that the saliva ban has tilted the game in favor of batsmen. With more emphasis on power-hitting, the lack of reverse swing has made it harder for bowlers to break partnerships and provide an even contest between bat and ball.

What Happens If the Ban Is Lifted in IPL 2025?

If the BCCI’s proposal to lift the saliva ban in IPL 2025 is accepted, it may lead to broader discussions within the ICC. The IPL is one of the most-watched cricket leagues globally, and its rules often influence international cricket policies. Should the BCCI move forward with this change, the ICC could be pressured to review its stance on the issue of saliva use, potentially opening the door for a change in international cricket regulations.

As per the current IPL playing conditions, any player caught using saliva on the ball faces a warning for the first instance. If repeated, the team captain is fined, and further infractions result in individual fines for the players involved. However, the potential change in IPL’s stance could set the stage for revisions to these playing conditions.

Latest Cricket and IPL Updates

As we approach IPL 2025, the cricketing world is closely watching these developments. The latest cricket updates show that Shami’s complaint and the BCCI’s decision could mark a significant shift in how the game is played at the professional level. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the use of saliva could impact bowling strategies in the IPL, as well as its broader implications on cricket at large.

In the coming days, we can expect more latest IPL updates as the captains and officials meet to discuss the proposal. If the BCCI lifts the saliva ban, it could pave the way for a fascinating season of cricket in IPL 2025, with bowlers potentially regaining a much-needed weapon in their arsenal: reverse swing.

The next few weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal, as the cricket community waits for decisions that could redefine how the game is played in the modern era.