The IPL 2025 season will kick off on March 22, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a decision that will help fast bowlers. The ban on saliva use to polish the ball has been removed.
Saliva Ban Removed After Captains' Meeting
At an IPL captains' conference in Mumbai on Thursday, most captains voted in favor of lifting the ban on saliva. After their endorsement, the BCCI moved to let pacers once again use saliva on the ball.
Fast bowlers depend on saliva to keep the ball shiny, which helps with reverse swing, particularly in Test cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had prohibited the use of saliva during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ban was extended to IPL matches later. Nevertheless, with ace pacers Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee lobbying for its reinstatement, the BCCI chose to lift the ban. This step could compel the ICC to reconsider its decision across the world.
New Ball Change Rule After 10 Overs
The BCCI has also brought in a new rule to counter dew-related issues in evening matches. With too much dew in the second innings, bowlers find it difficult to grip the ball properly, impacting their performance.
According to the new guidelines:
- Captains can call for a change of ball after the 10th over of the second innings.
- The change will be at the discretion of the umpire depending on the field conditions.
- There will not be a new ball given; rather, a ball of equal wear and tear will replace it.
These rule modifications are designed to enhance the bat-ball equilibrium so that competing fairly is ensured for bowlers during the IPL 2025 season.
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