BCCI Saliva Ban IPL 2025: Will the Ban Be Lifted Ahead of the New Season?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering lifting the saliva ban for IPL 2025, sparking discussions among players, coaches, and cricket experts. The BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 debate has gained momentum as the board plans to consult all 10 IPL team captains before making a final decision.
The use of saliva to shine the ball has been an integral part of cricket for decades, helping fast bowlers maintain reverse swing. However, the ICC banned the practice in 2020 due to COVID-19 safety measures, making the ban permanent in 2022. Since then, IPL has followed ICC’s ruling, imposing strict penalties on players who use saliva on the ball.
Now, with the pandemic no longer a major concern, BCCI officials are reconsidering the saliva ban in IPL 2025, arguing that the league operates independently of ICC regulations and can set its own rules.
Why is BCCI Reviewing the Saliva Ban in IPL 2025?
The BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 discussion comes after several senior officials pointed out that COVID-19 concerns have diminished, and the restriction is no longer necessary.
A BCCI official, speaking to PTI, emphasized the importance of bringing back saliva use in the game:
“Using saliva on the ball was a crucial part of cricket before COVID-19. Now that we don’t have that threat anymore, we believe lifting the ban in IPL would be a logical step forward.”
“We understand that saliva has a bigger impact in Test cricket, but even in T20s, bowlers deserve every advantage they can get. IPL is a trend-setting tournament, and we want to explore whether this rule should be changed.”
This statement indicates that the final decision on the BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 will depend on discussions with team captains and other stakeholders.
Fast Bowlers Support Lifting the BCCI Saliva Ban IPL 2025
The call to lift the BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 has been supported by many international bowlers who rely on swing and seam movement. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has previously urged ICC to reconsider the saliva ban, arguing that reverse swing is essential for competitive cricket.
Speaking after India’s victory in the Champions Trophy semi-final, Shami emphasized:
“We are trying to get reverse swing, but the usage of saliva is not allowed.”
“We have been appealing for this change because bringing saliva back would make the game more balanced between bat and ball.”
Veteran fast bowlers like New Zealand’s Tim Southee and South Africa’s Vernon Philander have also voiced their support for reintroducing saliva in limited-overs cricket, believing it would help pacers regain an edge.
Current IPL Rules on Saliva Ban
Under existing IPL regulations, using saliva on the ball results in strict penalties.
📌 Penalties for Saliva Use in IPL:
✔ First Offense: The fielding captain is issued a warning.
✔ Second Offense: A second and final warning is given.
✔ Third Offense: The responsible player is fined up to ₹10 lakh or 25% of their match fee.
If the BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 is lifted, these penalties will likely be removed, giving bowlers more flexibility in maintaining the ball’s condition.
What Happens If BCCI Lifts the Saliva Ban in IPL 2025?
If the BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 is lifted, it could have a significant impact on bowlers in the tournament.
✔ Fast bowlers will regain control over reverse swing and seam movement.
✔ Spinners may benefit from additional grip and control.
✔ Pitches with dry conditions, like those in India, may assist bowlers more.
However, critics argue that lifting the saliva ban could create health concerns and might reverse ICC’s decision to maintain hygiene standards in cricket.
The final decision on the BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 is expected to be made after the meeting with IPL team captains, who will provide their input on the potential rule change.
Will BCCI Reverse the Saliva Ban in IPL 2025?
The BCCI saliva ban IPL 2025 debate has divided the cricketing world. While many pacers support lifting the ban, some experts believe that keeping the rule in place ensures fairness and safety.
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ BCCI is considering lifting the saliva ban in IPL 2025, with a final decision pending discussions with team captains.
✔ Many fast bowlers, including Mohammed Shami, have urged for saliva’s return to improve reverse swing.
✔ If the ban is removed, IPL bowlers may find new advantages, changing the dynamics of T20 cricket.
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes are on BCCI’s final verdict regarding the saliva ban. Will they bring back saliva use to help bowlers, or will they maintain the existing restrictions? The cricket world eagerly awaits the answer.
