IPL 2025: BCCI lifts saliva ban, introduces two-ball rule
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on saliva us and introduced a new rule for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The change was announced during a meeting at Cricket Center in Mumbai on March 20.
According to Cricbuzz, a well-placed source confirmed these rules at a recent gathering with BCCI officials.
Dew factor
New rule: Second ball in second innings
For the impending season, the second ball will be introduced after the 11th over of an IPL game's second innings.
This new regulation seeks to combat the effect of dew which often plays a role in night-time matches.
By introducing a second ball, the rule essentially nullifies any advantage the skipper winning the toss might have due to dew factor, making for a more balanced competition in matches.
Player's plea
Saliva ban lifted after player advocacy
The decision to allow the use of saliva on cricket ball was largely influenced by top cricketer Mohammed Shami's appeal.
"We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches," Shami had stated during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
His request was supported by international players like Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who saw merit in Shami's appeal.
Ban history
Saliva ban was imposed during COVID-19 pandemic
Traditionally, saliva has been used by fast bowlers to maintain the shine of one side of an old ball, allowing it to reverse swing.
However, the technique has become less effective in ODIs with the introduction of two new balls from both ends.
The advent of COVID-19 pandemic led to a ban on saliva usage to shine the ball. After a two-year period, the ban was made permanent.