In a major decision ahead of IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the five-year-old ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball. This restriction was initially imposed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidelines set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

For decades, players have used saliva to maintain the shine on the cricket ball, aiding swing and movement. However, the ICC introduced the ban during the pandemic as a precautionary health measure, which was then implemented in the IPL as well.

Ban Lifted Just Before IPL 2025

With IPL 2025 set to begin on March 22, the BCCI has now reversed this rule, bringing relief to bowlers. On March 20, during a meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, officials informed the captains of all 10 IPL teams about the change. This means that from the opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, bowlers will once again be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball.

Saliva Ban Still in Place in International Cricket

While the restriction has been removed in the IPL, it remains enforced in international cricket. Following the end of the COVID-19 crisis, the ICC made the ban permanent, allowing players to shine the ball only with sweat. However, in recent months, there has been growing demand to reconsider this rule.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami was among those who recently advocated for lifting the ban, arguing that using saliva is crucial for swing bowling. The BCCI has now acted on this concern, making IPL the first major tournament to reinstate the traditional practice.