NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant decision regarding the use of saliva on the ball in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After consulting with the majority of team captains, the BCCI has lifted the ban on the application of saliva to shine the ball.
This move comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) had initially imposed a temporary ban on the use of saliva as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2022, the ICC made this ban permanent, citing health and safety concerns.
The IPL had initially adhered to the ICC’s guidelines and included the saliva ban in its playing conditions following the outbreak of the pandemic.
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However, with the latest development, the IPL has become the first major cricketing event to reintroduce the use of saliva on the ball after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to lift the saliva ban was made during a captains’ meeting held in Mumbai, where the majority of team captains expressed their support for the proposal.
“The saliva ban has been lifted. Majority of captains were in favour of the move,” a top BCCI official told PTI.
It is important to note that the IPL’s playing conditions are outside the purview of the ICC, allowing the BCCI to make independent decisions regarding the tournament’s rules and regulations.
The use of saliva has been a long-standing practice in cricket, as it aids in shining one side of the ball, which can potentially assist bowlers in generating swing and movement through the air.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised about the potential transmission of the virus through the exchange of bodily fluids, leading to the initial ban.
While the BCCI’s decision to lift the saliva ban has been welcomed by the majority of captains, it is likely to reignite the debate surrounding the use of artificial substances to alter the condition of the ball.
Critics argue that the use of saliva or other substances can provide an unfair advantage to bowlers and potentially compromise the spirit of the game.