‘There Is No Harm in Lifting the Ban’: BCCI Mulls On Revoking Saliva Ban, IPL Skippers to Make Final Call | Reports

After deliberate chatter over the ban on the use of saliva, the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) may consider lifting the ban on using saliva on the ball during the IPL 2025 season. The proposal has had a prolonged discussion with the BCCI, but the ball has been left in the captain's court to decide upon the situation.

BCCI's Saliva Ban May Be Revoked, Decision To be Taken By IPL Skippers

During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohammed Shami spoke about the need for saliva to shine the ball, given that it heavily impacts the reverse swing. The pacer also expressed that the lack of saliva has made cricket a batter's game, and his sentiments have been backed up by Tim Southee & Veron Philander. The BCCI has seemingly taken notice of it, and talks to revoke the ban have been made internally.

"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 top BCCI official said while speaking to PTI.

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Will BCCI's Decision Influence The ICC If They Revoke The Saliva Ban?

The ICC had banned the age-old practice of adding saliva to shine the ball due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the fear of the virus has significantly gone down over the years, the rule remains enforced from the Council's end. The ban was made permanent in 2022.

The BCCI also enforced the ban in the Indian Premier League due to the fear of COVID-19, but talks have been made regarding the decision to revoke it. Moreover, given the BCCI's influence, if they choose to revoke the saliva ban, it would also influence the International Cricket Council to review the decision.

It is yet to be seen what the IPL skippers have in mind when they meet up for a meeting on Thursday in Mumbai.

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