Introduction
Cricket fans, get ready for a major rule change that could redefine the art of swing bowling! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the ban on applying saliva to the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This decision, if implemented, could have a global impact, challenging the ICC’s 2022 ruling that permanently prohibited saliva use in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, what does this mean for bowlers, batsmen, and the game itself? Let’s dive in!
The Saliva Ban: A Quick Recap
For decades, bowlers have used saliva to shine the ball, creating the perfect conditions for conventional and reverse swing. However, when COVID-19 struck, saliva was deemed a potential health risk, leading to a temporary ban in 2020. By 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent, forcing bowlers to rely solely on sweat and natural wear.
The result? Pacers struggled to generate movement in the air, making batting-friendly conditions even more lopsided.
Why is BCCI Considering Lifting the Ban?
1. The COVID-19 Risk is Nearly Gone: The primary reason for the saliva ban was hygiene concerns amid a pandemic. But with the world moving past COVID-19 and no new health risks associated with saliva, BCCI believes it might be time to reconsider.
2. Balancing the Contest Between Bat and Ball: T20 cricket, especially the IPL, has become a batter’s paradise, with high-scoring matches becoming the norm. By reintroducing saliva, bowlers—especially fast bowlers—could get back a crucial weapon, making the game more balanced.
3. Independence from ICC’s Ruling? Though IPL follows ICC regulations, it is a domestic league governed by BCCI. If BCCI lifts the ban, it could pave the way for other leagues (or even ICC) to revisit the rule.
Potential Impact of Saliva's Comeback
For Bowlers: A Ray of Hope - Swing bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar might find their magic touch again. Reverse swing, which has been missing in the death overs, could make a stunning return, making life difficult for batters.
For Batsmen: A Tougher Challenge - Batters have enjoyed a run-fest in the IPL, with 200+ scores becoming frequent. A return to saliva use could force them to sharpen their skills against moving deliveries, making games more competitive.
For the Game: A More Balanced Format - Cricket purists have long argued that T20 cricket is too batter-centric. This rule change could restore some balance, bringing back the strategic battles between ball and bat.
Will ICC Follow Suit?
While the IPL is not directly governed by the ICC, a successful implementation could pressure cricket’s governing body to reconsider its global ban. If international fast bowlers show significant improvement in IPL 2025, other leagues and national boards might lobby for a similar change.
Final Thoughts
BCCI’s contemplation of lifting the saliva ban could be a revolutionary step in modern cricket. While health concerns initially justified the ban, the game’s evolution demands that bowlers get their fair share of advantages. If approved, IPL 2025 could witness a whole new dimension of fast bowling, making matches even more thrilling!
What are your thoughts? Should saliva be allowed again in cricket? Drop your opinions in the comments below!