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Major Rule Change For IPL 2025! BCCI To Lift Ban On Saliva Usage: Report

Debashis Sarangi

IPL 2025 starts on March 22 [Source: @imRJangid/X]IPL 2025 starts on March 22 [Source: @imRJangid/X]

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According to emerging reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the saliva ban for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. International Cricket Council (ICC), the global cricketing body, banned the application of saliva to cricket balls as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

BCCI To Lift Ban On Application Of Saliva

With COVID-19 prevailing across the world, the governing body restricted the use of saliva in the Indian Premier League. Instead, the players were allowed to use sweat in order to keep the leather ball's shine intact. 

However, as the IPL 2025 nears, the BCCI is mulling over bringing back the age-old practice of shining the ball with saliva. According to a PTI report, the BCCI will formally present the proposal before the IPL 2025 captains during a meeting in Mumbai today. 

"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.

"We understand that it makes a bigger impact in red-ball cricket but even if it can help bowlers a bit in the white ball game, it should be allowed in the IPL, which is a trend-setting tournament. Let's see what the captains decide tomorrow," a BCCI official told PTI. 

Impact Of BCCI's Decision On Global Cricket

Several veteran fast bowlers, including Vernon Philander, Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee, have supported the use of saliva, considering its long-standing impact on the cricket ball. If the BCCI lifts the ban in the IPL 2025, it could prompt the ICC to review and, if possible, amend the rule. 

Additionally, the BCCI could also allow the use of DRS for wide balls, including the height wides. So, the teams will be able to challenge the marginal on-field wide calls, which could ensure fairness in the game.