Game Changer? BCCI’s Surprising Move to Allow Saliva in IPL 2025
Arushi Alok | Mar 21, 2025, 22:28 IST
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a stunning announcement that has left the cricketing world buzzing—saliva can now be used to shine the ball in IPL 2025. This marks a dramatic reversal from the COVID-19 pandemic era ban, which was imposed to curb the spread of the virus. The decision has sparked debates among players, experts, and fans, with some calling it a much-needed move for bowlers and others questioning the potential health risks.
In this article, we analyze why the BCCI decided to bring back saliva use, what it means for the game, and how it could impact the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
For decades, bowlers have relied on saliva and sweat to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, aiding swing movement. However, in 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) implemented a ban on using saliva as a health precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule, initially seen as temporary, was made permanent in 2022.
Despite this, many fast bowlers struggled to achieve reverse swing, especially in longer formats. In T20 leagues like the IPL, where every small advantage matters, the inability to shine the ball properly became a major talking point. The saliva ban forced players to adapt, but the game seemed to tilt further in favor of batters.
1. Balancing the Game Between Bat and Ball
Cricket has increasingly become a batter’s game, especially in T20s, where big scores are common. Bowlers have found it challenging to extract movement, making matches one-sided. BCCI’s decision is aimed at restoring the balance, giving fast bowlers a better chance of getting swing and variations.
2. Health and Safety Concerns Have Diminished
With COVID-19 no longer a global emergency, cricket boards worldwide have been reconsidering restrictions put in place during the pandemic. As international travel and sports return to normalcy, BCCI believes the saliva ban is no longer necessary.
3. Influence of Players and Experts
Several fast bowlers and cricketing legends have voiced concerns about how the ban made it harder for pacers to generate movement. Reports suggest that senior bowlers in the IPL have pushed for saliva to be reinstated, and their concerns played a key role in BCCI’s decision.
4. Enhancing the Competitive Nature of IPL 2025
With the return of the saliva rule, IPL 2025 might witness a new dimension in bowling. More swing and movement early on could result in closer contests and an even more thrilling tournament.
1. A Boost for Fast Bowlers
Fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Pat Cummins could benefit greatly from this rule change. The ability to shine the ball using saliva will help them achieve better swing, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
2. How Will Spinners Adapt?
While saliva is primarily used for swing bowlers, spinners could also see an impact. With the ball retaining its shine longer, reverse swing may come into play, which could affect the way spinners operate in the middle overs.
3. Impact on Team Strategies
With swing bowling making a return, teams might change their approach. We could see franchises picking more swing bowlers, using different field placements, and adjusting their powerplay strategies accordingly.
4. Will It Lead to Higher Wicket-Taking Matches?
The use of saliva could lead to lower-scoring matches, adding to the excitement of IPL 2025. Batters who have dominated previous seasons may now face tougher challenges from swing bowlers.
1. Players’ Opinions
Many former and current cricketers have reacted to the decision. While bowlers have largely welcomed the change, some batters have expressed concerns over adjusting to the new conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah: “It’s great to have saliva back. Swing bowling is an art, and this decision helps keep the contest fair.”
Virat Kohli: “Interesting move by BCCI. Will be exciting to see how bowlers use this to their advantage in IPL 2025.”
2. Fans’ Reactions on Social Media
The decision has sparked debates online, with fans divided. Some believe this will make matches more competitive, while others feel it is an unnecessary reversal.
Twitter Reactions:
3. Expert Analysis
Cricket analysts believe this move will lead to more strategic gameplay, with bowlers finally having an upper hand after years of batter dominance in T20 cricket.
While the rule change is being celebrated by bowlers, it is not without controversy.
BCCI’s decision to allow saliva use in IPL 2025 is a game-changing move that could redefine the tournament. While it brings back an essential skill for bowlers, it also raises questions about fairness, health concerns, and potential impact on the game’s balance.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly await to see how this rule change plays out. Will it make the competition more exciting, or will it lead to new controversies? One thing is certain—IPL 2025 is set to be one of the most talked-about seasons in recent history.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, and Relationships at Times Life.
The History of the Saliva Ban in Cricket
The History of the Saliva Ban in Cricket
For decades, bowlers have relied on saliva and sweat to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, aiding swing movement. However, in 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) implemented a ban on using saliva as a health precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule, initially seen as temporary, was made permanent in 2022.
Despite this, many fast bowlers struggled to achieve reverse swing, especially in longer formats. In T20 leagues like the IPL, where every small advantage matters, the inability to shine the ball properly became a major talking point. The saliva ban forced players to adapt, but the game seemed to tilt further in favor of batters.
Why Did BCCI Lift the Saliva Ban?
Why Did BCCI Lift the Saliva Ban?
1. Balancing the Game Between Bat and Ball
Cricket has increasingly become a batter’s game, especially in T20s, where big scores are common. Bowlers have found it challenging to extract movement, making matches one-sided. BCCI’s decision is aimed at restoring the balance, giving fast bowlers a better chance of getting swing and variations.
2. Health and Safety Concerns Have Diminished
With COVID-19 no longer a global emergency, cricket boards worldwide have been reconsidering restrictions put in place during the pandemic. As international travel and sports return to normalcy, BCCI believes the saliva ban is no longer necessary.
3. Influence of Players and Experts
Several fast bowlers and cricketing legends have voiced concerns about how the ban made it harder for pacers to generate movement. Reports suggest that senior bowlers in the IPL have pushed for saliva to be reinstated, and their concerns played a key role in BCCI’s decision.
4. Enhancing the Competitive Nature of IPL 2025
With the return of the saliva rule, IPL 2025 might witness a new dimension in bowling. More swing and movement early on could result in closer contests and an even more thrilling tournament.
Impact of the Rule Change on IPL 2025
Impact of the Rule Change on IPL 2025
1. A Boost for Fast Bowlers
Fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Pat Cummins could benefit greatly from this rule change. The ability to shine the ball using saliva will help them achieve better swing, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
2. How Will Spinners Adapt?
While saliva is primarily used for swing bowlers, spinners could also see an impact. With the ball retaining its shine longer, reverse swing may come into play, which could affect the way spinners operate in the middle overs.
3. Impact on Team Strategies
With swing bowling making a return, teams might change their approach. We could see franchises picking more swing bowlers, using different field placements, and adjusting their powerplay strategies accordingly.
4. Will It Lead to Higher Wicket-Taking Matches?
The use of saliva could lead to lower-scoring matches, adding to the excitement of IPL 2025. Batters who have dominated previous seasons may now face tougher challenges from swing bowlers.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Reactions from the Cricketing World
1. Players’ Opinions
Many former and current cricketers have reacted to the decision. While bowlers have largely welcomed the change, some batters have expressed concerns over adjusting to the new conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah: “It’s great to have saliva back. Swing bowling is an art, and this decision helps keep the contest fair.”
Virat Kohli: “Interesting move by BCCI. Will be exciting to see how bowlers use this to their advantage in IPL 2025.”
2. Fans’ Reactions on Social Media
The decision has sparked debates online, with fans divided. Some believe this will make matches more competitive, while others feel it is an unnecessary reversal.
Twitter Reactions:
- “Finally! Swing bowlers will be back in business. IPL 2025 is going to be a thriller!”
- “Why change something that was working fine? Batters will need time to adjust.”
Cricket analysts believe this move will lead to more strategic gameplay, with bowlers finally having an upper hand after years of batter dominance in T20 cricket.
Potential Controversies and Challenges
- Health Concerns: Even though COVID-19 is under control, some medical experts believe allowing saliva use again may still carry hygiene risks.
- Fair Play Issues: Some critics argue that allowing saliva while banning substances like mints or artificial shining agents creates an inconsistency in rules.
- ICC’s Stance: The ICC had permanently banned saliva use. Will this decision by BCCI put pressure on international cricket to follow suit?
A New Era for IPL 2025?
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly await to see how this rule change plays out. Will it make the competition more exciting, or will it lead to new controversies? One thing is certain—IPL 2025 is set to be one of the most talked-about seasons in recent history.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, and Relationships at Times Life.