BCCI May Lift Ban on Saliva Use in IPL; DRS for Wide and High Deliveries Also Under Discussion

Mumbai, March 20 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the ban on applying saliva to the ball in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Currently, the use of saliva is prohibited as a precautionary measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the pandemic no longer a threat, BCCI officials believe that reinstating the practice will not pose any issues.

A senior BCCI official revealed to a news agency that before COVID-19, bowlers routinely applied saliva to maintain the ball’s shine. “The ban was imposed to prevent the spread of the virus. Now that the risk is minimal, we feel there is no harm in allowing saliva use in the IPL again,” the official stated.

DRS for Wide and High Deliveries Under Consideration

In addition to the saliva ban discussion, the BCCI is also considering allowing teams to use the Decision Review System (DRS) for high and wide deliveries outside the off-stump. The proposed rule change would enable players to challenge an on-field umpire’s decision regarding wide and high deliveries using Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology. Teams will have the option to review whether a delivery was correctly called wide or high.

ICC’s Permanent Ban on Saliva Use

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) temporarily banned the use of saliva to shine the ball to prevent virus transmission. In 2022, the ICC made this ban permanent. Following ICC’s decision, the IPL also continued enforcing the restriction in its playing conditions.

Mohammed Shami Urges ICC to Lift Saliva Ban

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami recently urged the ICC to reconsider its decision on the saliva ban. Speaking after India’s semi-final victory against Australia in the Champions Trophy, Shami emphasized that using saliva is crucial for generating reverse swing, which makes the game more competitive. “We are trying to achieve reverse swing, but without saliva, it is difficult. We appeal to the authorities to allow us to use it again so that the game remains exciting,” Shami stated.

BCCI’s Disciplinary Measures for Saliva Use

According to last season’s IPL rules, players were penalized if they were found using saliva on the ball. On the third violation, a fine of ₹10 lakh or 25% of the player’s match fee (whichever is lower) could be imposed. In such cases, the fielding captain would receive a warning for the first offense, a final warning for the second, and further action from the BCCI in case of repeated offenses.

The final decision on these proposed rule changes will be discussed in a captain’s meeting scheduled for today in Mumbai.