The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the ban on the use of saliva on cricket balls in IPL 2025. This major decision will be discussed at the upcoming IPL captains’ meeting scheduled for March 20, 2025, at the BCCI headquarters in Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
IPL 2025: BCCI Set to Discuss Lifting Saliva Ban at Captains’ Meet
Ban Imposed Since 2022
The ‘no saliva on the ball’ rule was introduced in 2022 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a precautionary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic. It aimed to prevent virus transmission through saliva. However, despite a significant decrease in Covid-19 cases, the rule has remained in place, leading to criticism from many players and experts.
Impact on Bowlers in IPL
The ban on using saliva has significantly affected bowlers, making it difficult to maintain the shine of the ball and generate reverse swing. The 2024 IPL season saw batters dominate the game, with an average first innings score of 190 runs. Hard-hitters like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Jake Fraser-McGurk capitalized on the favorable conditions, making life tough for the bowlers.
Mohammed Shami Advocates for Change
Senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been one of the vocal advocates for bringing back saliva usage. He emphasized that saliva is essential for achieving reverse swing, which cannot be replicated by using sweat alone. Shami urged the ICC to lift the ban to bring balance between bat and ball, particularly in white-ball cricket.
BCCI Leaves Decision to IPL Captains
The BCCI has decided to leave the decision to the 10 IPL captains at the upcoming meeting. The captains will deliberate on whether the ban should be lifted, with the final call resting in their hands. A BCCI official stated,
“It’s their call if they want to go ahead with that. We have no issue, and we are okay with that. If the ICC makes changes in the future, it will be for the betterment of cricket.”
Key Agenda for IPL 2025 Captains’ Meet
Apart from the saliva rule, several other critical rules and regulations will be discussed at the meeting, including:
✅ Impact player rule
✅ Two bouncers per over
✅ Retired out options
✅ Super Overs regulations
✅ Innings timer and 60-second clock
Potential Impact on IPL 2025
If the captains decide to lift the ban, bowlers could regain a vital edge, bringing balance to the game. This move may also set a precedent for other T20 leagues and possibly influence the ICC to reconsider the global ban.
Shubman Gill to Lead Gujarat Titans Again
As the IPL 2025 season kicks off on March 22, 2025, Shubman Gill will be leading Gujarat Titans, aiming to make a strong comeback after a disappointing 2024 season where the team failed to qualify for the playoffs.
All eyes will now be on the IPL captains’ meeting on March 20, where this pivotal decision regarding the lifting of the saliva ban will shape the future of cricket in IPL and beyond.
