As per a report from Cricbuzz, the ban on using saliva is likely to be lifted for the 2025 Indian Premier League. After a collaborative meeting between the Board of Control in India (BCCI) and IPL Council members in Mumbai on March 20, a second new ball might be used to neutralize the effect of dew.
The BCCI is likely to implement the usage of a second-new ball on day-night matches of the IPL 2025 to reduce the effect of dew. This will be used in the second half of the second innings when the dew is generally at peak. However, the decision for the right time to get a second new ball will be taken after the consent from the on-field umpires.
“It’s up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew,” a source said to Cricbuzz.
Additionally, the BCCI is to lift the ban on the usage of saliva that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was done to mitigate the spread of the virus during a global emergency. Recently, Mohammad Shami expressed about the reduced reverse swing and traditional swing on certain conditions due to this ban.
“We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches,”
Shami’s thoughts were gleefully endorsed by former cricketers Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, resulting in a positive impact for the bowlers.
