BCCI Lifts Saliva Ban for IPL 2025 After Captains' Approval

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The ban on saliva was first introduced by International Cricket Council (ICC) in May 2020 as precautionary action amid COVID-19 pandemic

BCCI Lifts Saliva Ban for IPL 2025 After Captains' Approval

BCCI Lifts Saliva Ban for IPL 2025 After Captains' Approval latest news: In a breakthrough for cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has voted to remove the ban on using saliva to polish the ball for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The proposal was approved at a captains' meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in which most team captains favored the suggestion.

The ban on saliva was first introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in May 2020 as a precautionary action amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICC subsequently declared the ban permanent in 2022 due to health and safety reasons. The IPL had followed these rules, adding the ban on saliva to its playing conditions. But now that the pandemic is over, the BCCI has made a solo decision to resume the practice and IPL 2025 becomes the first high-profile cricket tournament to do so.

The captains pointed out how bowlers had been disadvantaged by the ban, especially in getting reverse swing, a method which has become ever more uncommon in white-ball cricket. Indian quick bowler Mohammed Shami had just expressed his dismay, citing the role saliva plays in keeping the ball in good condition and adding to the game for both players and spectators.

A senior BCCI official said, "The ban on saliva has been withdrawn. Most captains were keen on the decision." This move is set to favor bowlers, particularly pacers, as it would enable them to get back control of the run of the ball.

With this step, the BCCI is looking to balance bat and ball, making the tournament more competitive and interesting for the players and fans. The season of IPL 2025 will begin with this new rule in effect, and it will be a return to the old ways of cricket.

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