BCCI considers lifting saliva ban in IPL 2025: Here's why
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the saliva ban in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The proposal will be discussed with all IPL team captains at a meeting in Mumbai on Thursday.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had first banned the practice as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and made it permanent in 2022.
Official's view
BCCI official's statement on saliva usage
A BCCI official told PTI, "Using saliva on the ball was part of the essence of the game until COVID hit. Now that we don't have that threat anymore, we feel there is no harm in lifting the ban on saliva in the IPL."
The official also acknowledged its greater impact in red-ball cricket but argued it could still benefit white-ball bowlers.
Influence
Potential impact on ICC's stance
If the IPL lifts the ban, it could influence the ICC to rethink its stance.
Several high-profile cricketers, including Mohammed Shami, Vernon Philander, and Tim Southee have in the past pushed for using saliva to aid reverse swing and maintain the balance between bat and ball.
The BCCI believes that permitting this practice in IPL could affect global cricket policies.
DRS introduction
IPL to introduce DRS for height wides
Along with the saliva ban debate, the IPL is also likely to approve the use of Decision Review System (DRS) for height wides and wides outside off-stump.
The move is aimed at making wide ball decisions more accurate using Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology.
Teams will be permitted to review cases where an on-field umpire has signaled a wide ball for height.
Meeting agenda
Captains' meeting to discuss IPL regulations
The use of saliva by bowlers will be one of the main items on the agenda when all 10 IPL 2025 captains meet in Mumbai.
The captains will also be briefed on regulations and broadcast media commitments during this meeting.
Major rules such as two bouncers, retired out, Super Overs, innings timer, 60-second clock, impact player, waist-high full tosses, and the Code of Conduct, will also be discussed.
Opener
Season to commence on March 22
The IPL season will kick off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
This pre-season meeting will give captains and managers a chance to prepare for the upcoming season, making sure all teams are ready for what promises to be another exciting year of cricketing action.