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Key Takeaways:
- Saliva ban lifted in IPL 2025 after captains unanimously agreed to its removal.
- Bowlers can now use saliva to shine the ball, improving reverse swing.
- This change could influence the ICC to reconsider the global saliva ban.
Well, folks, it’s official — the saliva ban lifted in IPL 2025 is making headlines, and for good reason. After five long years, bowlers can finally use saliva on the ball again.
Honestly, I can almost hear fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee celebrating. This decision might just make IPL 2025 one of the most exciting seasons we’ve seen in a while.
Related: IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Get Ready for a Star-Studded Show You Can’t Miss!
Why Was the Saliva Ban Imposed Anyway?
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 2020, when COVID-19 had us washing our hands every five minutes, cricket boards decided that using saliva wasn’t the safest idea. Fair enough, right? ICC banned it temporarily, but then in 2022, they decided to make it permanent.
IPL, being the obedient sibling, followed suit and kept the ban in place. Bowlers were left relying only on sweat to shine the ball, which, let’s be honest, wasn’t nearly as effective.
Players like Shami didn’t shy away from voicing their frustration. He openly said that saliva was crucial for generating reverse swing — a skill that often turns the game in favor of the bowling side. Even Vernon Philander and Tim Southee backed him up.
I mean, imagine trying to make a dosa without oil — sure, you can still make one, but will it be as crispy and delicious? Exactly! Bowlers felt the same way without saliva on the ball.
Why Did BCCI Finally Lift the Ban?
Fast forward to the recent captains’ meeting in Mumbai, where the BCCI finally decided to address the elephant in the room. All ten IPL skippers agreed — it was time to ditch the ban.
The logic? COVID-19 isn’t the same threat it once was, and honestly, bowlers deserved something to level the playing field. Let’s face it — IPL has always been a batter’s paradise. Sixes rain down like confetti, and bowlers often feel like they’re just serving up freebies.
A BCCI official mentioned that saliva’s real magic is in red-ball cricket. But hey, even in T20 matches, if it gives bowlers a slight edge, why not? After all, IPL thrives on nail-biting finishes, and this change could deliver exactly that.
Interestingly, this decision could also nudge ICC to rethink its global stance on saliva use. Since IPL often sets trends in cricket, don’t be surprised if ICC starts reconsidering their saliva ban too.
What Were the Old Saliva Ban Rules?
Before this change, the saliva ban came with strict penalties:
- First warning: The fielding captain got a reminder.
- Second warning: A final warning was issued.
- Third strike: The guilty player faced a fine of ₹10 lakh or 25% of their match fee.
I mean, imagine coughing up ₹10 lakh just for licking your fingers and touching the ball! Thankfully, with the saliva ban lifted in IPL 2025, those penalties are history.
Related: Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Match Schedule
How Will This Impact IPL 2025?
This change is huge for fast bowlers. Saliva helps them maintain the ball’s shine, making it swing better — especially in those crucial death overs.
For years, T20 cricket has been heavily tilted in favor of batters. Bowlers had to rely on smart variations and yorkers to survive. But now, with saliva back in their toolkit, they finally have an extra weapon.
I can already picture someone like Jasprit Bumrah steaming in, ball glistening under the floodlights, and sneaking in a magical in-swinger to rattle the stumps. Exciting times ahead!
On a broader note, if Saliva Ban Lifting in IPL 2025 shows positive results, ICC might just reconsider lifting the ban worldwide.
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