The restriction on using saliva to shine the ball will be removed in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) after all 10 team captains unanimously supported its repeal.
Following the mandatory captains’ meeting at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters, an official source confirmed on Thursday, “The captains were consulted, and they all agreed that lifting the ban would provide bowlers with an advantage.”
A formal announcement is expected soon, detailing the official rule change for the upcoming season.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) originally imposed the saliva ban during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safety measure, making it permanent in 2022. The IPL also followed these guidelines.
However, discussions about reversing the restriction gained momentum during the ICC Champions Trophy. Fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee voiced their support for reinstating the practice. Shami expressed, “We have repeatedly requested that the use of saliva be permitted again to bring back reverse swing and make the game more competitive.”
While saliva application is more crucial in red-ball cricket, BCCI insiders acknowledged ongoing discussions on the topic and openness to reconsidering the rule in limited-overs formats.
Current Regulations
As per the existing IPL playing conditions, a first-time violation of the saliva ban results in a warning to the fielding team’s captain. A second offense leads to a final warning, and further instances result in a fine—either ₹10 lakh or 25% of the player’s match fee, whichever is lower.
With the ban now expected to be lifted, bowlers may have an added advantage, especially in generating movement and reverse swing.
Impact Player Rule To Remain In IPL 2025
Despite speculation about its removal, the Impact Player rule will continue in the upcoming IPL season. No discussions on scrapping the rule took place during the captains’ meeting.
An official source confirmed, “The Impact Player rule has enhanced the tournament’s excitement, and there was no consideration of discontinuing it.”
With these regulatory updates, IPL 2025 is set to bring significant changes, potentially influencing the balance between bat and ball in the tournament.
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