IPL 2025: BCCI lifts ban on bowlers using saliva to shine the ball - Reports

IPL 2025 is set to start on Saturday, March 22.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly lifted ban on using saliva to shine balls ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

According to the reports, board explained the new rules during the meeting of the captains and managers at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. Saliva usage was banned post COVID-19 to prioritize the safety of players from the deadly virus, which spreads through physical contact.

With the pandemic now behind us, there have been several calls to lift these restrictions, with many cricketers raising their voices in world cricket seeking the change.

Another important rule change to be implemented in IPL 2025 is that the bowling team will be given a second new ball for the second innings of a match to reduce the impact of dew. However, the final decision regarding the ball change will be taken by the umpires.

BCCI lifts ban on bowlers using saliva to shine the ball for IPL 2025

Speaking to The Indian Express, a BCCI official confirmed that captains were asked for suggestions before the upcoming season, and lifting the saliva ban was among them.

He said, “The captains were asked for suggestions and the lifting of the saliva ban was one among them. There was no opposition and it was unanimously agreed to do away with it.“

“This was the BCCI’s domestic tournament and so we are not bound by ICC’s guidelines here.“

The rule change will help fast bowlers bring reverse swing into play during the later stages of the innings. Saliva is traditionally used by bowlers to shine one side of the ball, which aids reverse-swing.

IPL 2025 will start on Saturday, March 22 and will feature defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening game at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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