With IPL 2025 around the corner, the BCCI is considering lifting the ban on the use of saliva in the upcoming season. Notably, the International Cricketer Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva on the ball due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Indian Cricket Board board is likely to lift the ban ahead of the cash-rich league which could also have a global impact.
As reported by Times of India, the proposal has been discussed internally in a long meeting with and will be presented to the captains of all 10 IPL franchises during the captains’ meet in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20.”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,” an official from the BCCI told PTI.
BCCI to allow use of saliva in IPL 2025
Speaking further, the BCCI official also said that the use of saliva should be allowed in the IPL, and called the Indian league a ‘trendsetter’ in the cricketing world. “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," the official said.
If the BCCI becomes successful in lifting the ban, the ICC might also get forced to review their decision on the use of saliva. Recently, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami also spoke about the importance of saliva on the ball for the bowler on the sidelines of the recently ended Champions Trophy 2025.
"We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting," Shami said during the 50-over event in Dubai.
