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In an attempt to make a major development for cricket enthusiasts and players alike, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the lifting of the saliva ban for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This decision is a return to convential cricket practices, which were temporarily altered due to health and safety concerns during Covid 19 pandemic.
Saliva has been used to shine a ball as a common practice in cricket for years but in 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva worldwide as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of Covid-19. This ban was implemented in all types of games, including IPL, and players were told to use sweat and other methods to maintain the ball.
After a lot of consultations with medical professionals, players and stakeholders, the BCCI assured that a salivary ban is no longer needed. The decision also affected the fact that players were vaccinated and the risk of transmission was significantly reduced.
Saliva-free lifting is expected to have a significant impact on the game, especially for bowlers who rely on swing and seam movements. Saliva was more effective than sweat when it glowed around the sides of the ball. This is useful in the final stages of inner momentum. The deleted ban allows bowlers to return to use saliva. 4,444 fans and analysts are excited to see how this change will affect the dynamics of IPL 2025. Does this lead to a more balanced competition between the bat and the ball? what do you think, Is it easy for spinners to grab the ball?
The decision was made with mixed reactions by players. While many bowlers were happy with it and described it as a return to "the convential art of bowling," some concerns have been expressed regarding hygiene . However, the BCCI ensures that saliva use is limited to maintaining the ball and there is strict check to ensure that player safety is not affected.
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes are eagerly open to see how teams and players adapt to this change. The BCCI also shows that other regulations caused by the pandemic, such as organic bubbles and limited number of visitors to the crowd, are checked according to general health situations. Currently, lifting the saliva ban is a step towards normalcy.
Cricket fans are waiting for an upcoming season that promises to be an exciting combination of tradition and modernity. With lifted saliva bans, IPL 2025 offers an exciting and authentic cricketing experience.
