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The decision to lift the ban on using saliva to shine cricket balls in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 marks a significant shift in the landscape of the sport, particularly for bowlers. This reversal, overturning a restriction imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with widespread approval from bowlers, who view it as a crucial tool for enhancing their ability to generate swing and movement. The ban, initially introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure to mitigate the potential transmission of the virus, was subsequently made permanent by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in September 2022. However, the governing body of Indian cricket, after consulting with franchise captains, has now decided to reinstate the use of saliva for the IPL, a move that is poised to have a profound impact on the dynamics of the tournament. The primary reason behind the initial ban was to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Saliva, being a bodily fluid, was considered a potential vector for the virus, prompting authorities to implement stringent measures to safeguard the health and safety of players and officials. While the ban aimed to prioritize public health, it undeniably had implications for the game itself, particularly for bowlers who rely on saliva to maintain the shine and aerodynamic properties of the ball. Players traditionally use saliva and sweat to polish one side of the ball, creating an imbalance that allows it to swing in the air. This technique is a fundamental aspect of cricket's bowling mechanics, having been employed for over a century to outwit batsmen and take wickets. The ability to generate swing is especially important for fast bowlers, who depend on it to make the ball deviate off the seam and create challenging angles for batsmen. The lifting of the ban is therefore seen as a major boost for bowlers, providing them with a key weapon in their arsenal. The effectiveness of saliva lies in its ability to create a smooth, polished surface on one side of the ball, while the other side remains relatively rough. This difference in surface texture leads to an aerodynamic imbalance, causing the ball to move through the air in a curved trajectory. The amount of swing generated depends on various factors, including the quality of the ball, the humidity, and the skill of the bowler. However, saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining the shine and ensuring that the ball retains its ability to swing effectively. Moreover, saliva is particularly important for generating reverse swing, a phenomenon where the ball moves in the opposite direction to what is typically expected. Reverse swing occurs when the ball is older and the rough side becomes heavier and more abrasive. In such conditions, bowlers can use saliva to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, creating a significant aerodynamic imbalance that causes the ball to swing sharply in the opposite direction. Reverse swing is particularly effective in dry conditions and with older balls, making it a valuable weapon for bowlers in Test matches and other long-format games. The ban on saliva was particularly detrimental to red-ball cricket, where the ball is used for a longer period and bowlers have ample opportunity to shine one side and generate reverse swing. In contrast, white-ball formats like ODIs and T20s, where the ball is often changed more frequently, the impact of the ban was less pronounced. However, even in these formats, saliva plays a role in maintaining the ball's shine and ensuring that it retains its ability to swing. The decision to lift the ban for the IPL but not necessarily for red-ball cricket raises questions about the future of the sport and the role of saliva in different formats. It remains unclear whether the ICC will follow suit and lift the ban for Test matches and other long-format games, or whether it will continue to maintain the restriction in the interest of public health. The ICC is currently led by Jay Shah, the former chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the world's wealthiest cricket board. This connection raises the possibility that the BCCI's decision to lift the ban for the IPL may influence the ICC's decision-making process. Ultimately, the decision to lift the ban on saliva for the IPL is a welcome development for bowlers, who have long argued that it is an essential tool for their craft. It remains to be seen how the change will impact the dynamics of the tournament, but it is likely to lead to more swing bowling and more challenging conditions for batsmen. The decision also highlights the ongoing tension between prioritizing public health and maintaining the integrity of the sport, a tension that is likely to continue to shape the future of cricket in the years to come.
The reintroduction of saliva usage is not without its potential drawbacks and controversies. While bowlers largely celebrate the decision, some concerns remain regarding hygiene and fair play. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of disease transmission, and some players might still feel uneasy about applying saliva to the ball, even with the virus's reduced prevalence. Moreover, there is the age-old debate about whether using saliva constitutes an artificial enhancement. Some argue that it gives bowlers an unfair advantage, potentially tilting the balance of the game too heavily in their favor. The skill of applying saliva effectively and maintaining the shine on the ball also comes into play. Different bowlers may have varying levels of proficiency in this technique, potentially creating disparities in their ability to generate swing. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for tampering with the ball, although this is already against the rules and subject to strict penalties. Umpires will need to be vigilant in monitoring the application of saliva and ensuring that players are not using any prohibited substances or techniques to alter the ball's surface. Furthermore, the lifting of the ban could lead to a greater emphasis on swing bowling, potentially resulting in slower scoring rates and more defensive batting strategies. Batsmen may need to adapt their techniques and approaches to counter the increased swing, potentially making for a more challenging and strategic game. The ICC's decision to maintain the ban on saliva for red-ball cricket, at least for now, suggests that it is taking a cautious approach, carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks of reintroducing the practice in different formats of the game. The decision may also reflect concerns about the impact on the balance between bat and ball in Test matches, where swing bowling already plays a significant role. The long duration of Test matches allows bowlers ample opportunity to shine the ball and generate reverse swing, potentially making it even more difficult for batsmen to score runs. However, it's important to note that the ban on saliva during the pandemic forced bowlers to adapt and explore alternative methods of generating swing. Some bowlers experimented with using sweat, while others focused on seam presentation and variations in pace. These adaptations may have led to the discovery of new techniques and strategies that could continue to be employed even with the reintroduction of saliva. The use of sweat was permitted during the saliva ban as an alternative, but it is generally considered less effective in maintaining the shine and generating significant swing. Sweat is less viscous than saliva and tends to evaporate more quickly, making it difficult to create the smooth, polished surface necessary for effective swing bowling. Therefore, the return of saliva is likely to be welcomed by bowlers who struggled to generate the same level of swing using sweat alone. It is also worth considering the psychological impact of the ban on bowlers. The inability to use saliva may have led to feelings of frustration and powerlessness, potentially affecting their confidence and performance. The reintroduction of saliva could therefore have a positive psychological effect, boosting bowlers' morale and allowing them to perform at their best. Ultimately, the decision to lift the ban on saliva for the IPL is a complex one with potential benefits and risks. The impact on the game will depend on a variety of factors, including the skill of the bowlers, the conditions of the pitches, and the strategies employed by both teams. However, it is clear that the decision will have a significant impact on the dynamics of the tournament, and it will be interesting to see how the players adapt to the change.
Beyond the immediate implications for the IPL, the decision to lift the saliva ban also raises broader questions about the future of cricket and the evolving relationship between tradition, innovation, and public health. As the sport continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises, it must strike a delicate balance between preserving the integrity of the game and ensuring the safety and well-being of players and fans. The ban on saliva served as a reminder of the vulnerability of sport to external factors and the need for flexibility and adaptation in the face of unprecedented challenges. While the lifting of the ban may signal a return to normalcy, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic and to consider how cricket can be made more resilient and sustainable in the long term. One potential avenue for innovation is the development of alternative methods for generating swing that do not rely on bodily fluids. Scientists and engineers could explore the use of artificial coatings or surface treatments that mimic the properties of saliva, allowing bowlers to achieve the same level of swing without compromising hygiene. Another area for innovation is the design of cricket balls themselves. Manufacturers could experiment with different materials and construction techniques to create balls that are more resistant to wear and tear and that retain their swing capabilities for longer periods. This could reduce the reliance on saliva and other external factors, making the game more equitable and predictable. The use of technology could also play a role in enhancing the fairness and transparency of cricket. Sensors embedded in the ball could track its movement and aerodynamic properties, providing real-time data that could be used to assess the effectiveness of different bowling techniques and to detect any instances of tampering. Video analysis and advanced analytics could also be used to provide umpires with additional support in making difficult decisions, reducing the potential for human error. Furthermore, the lifting of the saliva ban presents an opportunity to promote greater awareness of hygiene and health practices within the cricket community. Players can be educated about the importance of handwashing, social distancing, and other measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Fans can also be encouraged to adopt healthy habits and to take precautions to protect themselves and others from illness. The decision to lift the ban also highlights the importance of communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in the sport. The BCCI's consultation with franchise captains before making its decision demonstrates the value of involving players in the decision-making process. The ICC should continue to engage with players, coaches, umpires, and other stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of the game. Ultimately, the future of cricket will depend on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to embrace innovation while preserving its core values and traditions. The lifting of the saliva ban is just one small step in this ongoing process, but it represents an important opportunity to reflect on the past, to learn from the present, and to chart a course for a more sustainable and equitable future. The sport must continue to prioritize the health and well-being of players and fans, while also striving to maintain the integrity and excitement of the game. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, cricket can ensure that it remains a vibrant and relevant part of the global sporting landscape for generations to come.
Source: IPL 2025: Ban on use of saliva to shine cricket balls lifted