IPL lifts ban on use of saliva on ball, pacers to benefit

In a major rule change ahead of IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on the use of saliva on the ball, making the league the first major cricket tournament to reverse the post-COVID restriction. The decision was taken during the captains’ meeting in Mumbai, where a majority of IPL skippers supported the move. The rule was initially implemented during the pandemic as a health precaution, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) later made the ban permanent in 2022.

A top BCCI official confirmed the decision, stating that while some captains were hesitant, most were in favor of allowing saliva use once again. With this decision, the IPL has now diverged from ICC guidelines, setting a potential precedent for the global governing body to reconsider its stance.

The move comes after Indian pacer Mohammed Shami advocated for the return of saliva use, arguing that it is crucial for reverse swing, especially in a game increasingly dominated by batters. His call was backed by former and current bowlers, including Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who emphasized the importance of maintaining balance between bat and ball.

Alongside the saliva rule, the BCCI also discussed the controversial Impact Player rule, which will remain in place until at least 2027. While senior cricketers like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have raised concerns about the strategy, the board defended the rule, stating that it has provided opportunities to uncapped players who might not otherwise get a chance in the league.

In another significant update, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to cover height-based wides and wides outside the off-stump, with Hawk-Eye technology assisting in tracking ball movement. This change aims to improve umpiring accuracy and ensure fair decisions in crucial match moments.

Additionally, in evening matches, teams will now switch to a different used ball after the 11th over of the second innings to mitigate the impact of dew. While this is not a formal rule change, it has been introduced as an agreement between teams and umpires to maintain fair playing conditions.

The changes introduced ahead of IPL 2025 mark a shift in playing regulations, addressing long-standing demands from cricketers and ensuring a more balanced and competitive tournament. The decision on saliva use could potentially influence the ICC to revisit its pandemic-era restrictions, paving the way for a return to traditional swing bowling tactics in international cricket.