BCCILiftsBCCI Lifts Saliva Ban in Test Cricket, Giving Bowlers Their Shine Back

 

In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball. This decision comes after Indian pacer Mohammad Shami's recent request to the ICC to reconsider the ban. 

Notably, the use of two balls per inning in ODIs since 2011 has minimized ball wear, making the ban less necessary. The BCCI's move follows a consensus among ten team captains, who supported the proposal at the IPL 2025 captains' conference in Mumbai.

 

COVID-19 Protocol

 

The ban was introduced as a COVID-19 safety protocol and had significantly changed the look of swing bowling, as they could only use sweat or additional accessories to shine the ball.

 

Shami’s Reaction

 

Mohammed Shami is one of the finest bowlers, and he supports the decision stating that “saliva is a huge part of shining the ball,” which is a necessity for swinging the ball in the longer format. He remarks it's a good decision in a recent interview.

"We need it to shine, and without it, bowling becomes very difficult to swing the ball. The ball should move both in and out, especially in Test matches."

The ban specifically hurt bowlers who could depend on a conventional swing, which the bowler creates by using the shiny side of the ball to create aerodynamic differences. Bowlers will now be able to control the direction and swing of the ball, and at in-town venues or under lights, it might make for harder Test cricket.

 

Conclusion

 

The lifting of the saliva ban is expected to revolutionize Test cricket, empowering bowlers with a renewed arsenal of skills. As players revert to traditional techniques, they'll need to refine their actions and tactics, potentially ushering in a renaissance of swing bowling. Mohammad Shami's enthusiastic response echoes the sentiment among bowlers, who are eager to rediscover the classic art of Test bowling. This backward step may ironically breathe new life into the traditional craft, enhancing the excitement and spectacle of the game.