BCCI Lifts Saliva Ban for IPL 2025 Season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on the use of saliva to shine the cricket ball for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, following a favorable vote from the majority of team captains. This marks a significant shift as the ban was originally implemented in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was made permanent by the ICC in September 2022. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had previously advocated for the reversal of the ban, emphasizing the importance of saliva for achieving reverse swing. The lifting of the ban is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the game, particularly for bowlers, who have faced challenges due to the absence of this traditional practice. Additionally, the IPL will introduce a change in the second innings where a ball will be replaced after the 11th over to address dew conditions. This decision sets a precedent for potential changes in international cricket regulations by the ICC in the future.