In a major shift from pandemic-era restrictions, the Indian Premier League (IPL) will allow bowlers to use saliva on the ball for the upcoming 2025 season. The decision marks a return to traditional ball-shining methods, particularly benefiting fast bowlers who rely on late swing.
The practice of using saliva to shine one side of the ball while keeping the other side rough had been prohibited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a health precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The IPL followed suit, enforcing the ban in previous editions.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now lifted the restriction, reportedly after receiving support from a majority of team captains.
“The saliva ban has been lifted. Majority of captains were in favour of the move,” a top BCCI official told the Press Trust of India.
The decision underscores the BCCI’s authority to operate under domestic rules for its marquee tournament. “This was the BCCI’s domestic tournament and so we are not bound by ICC’s guidelines here,” an unnamed official told The Indian Express.
The move may renew debates around player safety versus competitive advantage. India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami recently advocated for the return of saliva use, particularly in the 50-over format.
“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game,” Shami said during the Champions Trophy in Dubai. “We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing.”
As the 2025 IPL season kicks off this Saturday, players and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this change affects swing bowling dynamics and overall gameplay.
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