Major IPL 2025 Rule Twist! BCCI Set to Lift Ban on This Rule After 4 Years
Ahead of IPL 2025 starting March 22, BCCI plans to lift the saliva ban imposed during COVID-19. A formal proposal will be discussed with captains in Mumbai. The move could influence ICC’s global policy, benefiting bowlers. Additionally, DRS for wide balls, including height wides, is also under consideration for the season.
With the Indian Premier League 2025 set to begin on March 22, the BCCI is reportedly planning a major rule change by lifting the ban on saliva usage to shine the cricket ball. The ban was initially imposed by the ICC during the COVID-19 pandemic as a health precaution, allowing players to use only sweat to maintain the ball’s shine. However, with the pandemic threat now diminished, the BCCI is considering reintroducing saliva application, a traditional practice in cricket.
According to a PTI report, the proposal will be discussed with all IPL 2025 captains at a meeting in Mumbai. A BCCI official stated that although saliva impacts red-ball cricket more, its reintroduction could benefit bowlers in the white-ball format as well, especially in a global tournament like the IPL that often sets trends for world cricket.
Veteran fast bowlers like Vernon Philander, Mohammed Shami, and Tim Southee have supported lifting the ban, emphasizing the impact of saliva on the ball’s movement. If approved, this decision could influence the ICC to reconsider the rule globally. Additionally, BCCI is exploring the introduction of DRS for wide and height-wide balls, allowing teams to challenge marginal wide calls, and ensuring better fairness and accuracy in umpiring decisions.
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