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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ushered in a series of significant changes for the upcoming 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the most prominent being the revocation of the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball. This decision, made at a captains' meeting in Mumbai prior to the league's commencement, marks the IPL as the first major cricket competition to reinstate the practice, which had been suspended as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Cricket Council (ICC) initially banned the application of saliva due to health concerns during the pandemic, a period marked by stringent hygiene protocols and physical distancing guidelines. While the ICC eventually made the ban permanent in 2022, the IPL, operating outside the direct purview of the ICC’s playing conditions, has chosen to reverse course, citing a desire to reintroduce the art of reverse swing into the game. This decision was not taken lightly, with a top BCCI official noting that while a majority of captains supported the move, some harbored reservations or remained undecided. The reintroduction of saliva is expected to have a significant impact on the balance between bat and ball, potentially giving bowlers a greater opportunity to influence the outcome of matches. It's important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic forced sports organizations worldwide to reassess standard practices. The ban on saliva application was a direct response to concerns about virus transmission. Health practitioners emphasized the importance of minimizing the sharing of bodily fluids, leading to the ICC's initial decision and subsequent permanent ban. The IPL's move to lift the ban signals a shift in perception and risk assessment, indicating a belief that the risk of transmission has sufficiently diminished to allow for the resumption of this traditional practice. The use of saliva to shine one side of the ball is a time-honored technique in cricket, enabling bowlers to generate swing, particularly reverse swing, which occurs when the ball deviates in the opposite direction to what would normally be expected. This is achieved by maintaining a contrast between the rough and smooth sides of the ball, creating aerodynamic differences that influence its trajectory. The ban on saliva application had arguably made it more challenging for bowlers to generate this type of swing, potentially contributing to a perceived dominance of batsmen in recent years. The decision to lift the ban reflects a desire to restore a more even contest between bat and ball, potentially leading to more exciting and unpredictable matches.
The reversal of the saliva ban has been a subject of much debate within the cricketing community. Senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had been a vocal advocate for its reinstatement, arguing that it is crucial for bowlers to be able to generate reverse swing and make the game more engaging. He publicly expressed his views on the sidelines of the ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizing the need to allow bowlers to use saliva in order to bring reverse swing back into the game. Shami's stance was supported by other prominent cricketers, including Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who echoed his sentiments about the importance of saliva for swing bowling. The argument in favor of saliva use centers on the idea that it is a natural and effective way to maintain the condition of the ball and generate swing. While artificial methods, such as applying sweat or using polishing materials, have been permitted, many bowlers believe that saliva is the most effective tool for achieving the desired results. The concern is that without saliva, bowlers are limited in their ability to generate swing, potentially making the game too heavily weighted in favor of batsmen. Critics of the saliva ban also point to the fact that other sports, such as baseball, have not implemented similar restrictions, despite the fact that players in those sports also engage in activities that could potentially transmit viruses. They argue that the risk of transmission through saliva in cricket is relatively low, and that the benefits of allowing its use outweigh the potential risks. The decision to reinstate the saliva ban could prompt the ICC to re-evaluate its own stance on the issue. The IPL’s decision to diverge from the ICC’s regulations could create a situation where different rules apply in different cricket competitions. This could lead to confusion and inconsistency, potentially undermining the overall integrity of the sport. It remains to be seen whether the ICC will follow the IPL’s lead and lift its ban on saliva application, or whether it will maintain its current position.
Beyond the saliva debate, the BCCI has also approved the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) for height wides and wides outside the off-stump. This expansion of the DRS is intended to address concerns about inconsistent or incorrect decisions regarding these types of deliveries. The use of Hawk-Eye technology and ball tracking will provide umpires with more accurate information to make their rulings, potentially reducing the number of controversial calls and ensuring a fairer outcome for both teams. The implementation of DRS for height wides and wides outside the off-stump is a significant step towards improving the accuracy and consistency of umpiring decisions. Previously, these calls were often subjective, relying solely on the umpire's judgment. The use of technology will provide a more objective basis for these decisions, potentially reducing the margin for error and ensuring that players are not unfairly penalized. This change is likely to be welcomed by both players and fans, as it will add a greater level of transparency and accountability to the umpiring process. The captains' meeting also addressed the issue of dew, which can significantly affect the condition of the ball, particularly in evening matches. To mitigate this issue, it was decided that one ball will be changed in the second innings of an evening game after the 11th over. This is intended to provide bowlers with a ball that has similar wear and tear to the one used in the first innings, ensuring a more level playing field. The decision to change the ball in the second innings of evening games is a practical measure to address the challenges posed by dew. Dew can make the ball slippery and difficult to grip, potentially affecting the bowler's ability to control their deliveries. By changing the ball after the 11th over, the umpires and teams aim to ensure that the bowlers have a ball that provides a more consistent grip and allows them to execute their skills effectively. It's important to note that this is not a formal rule change, but rather an understanding between teams and umpires for the current season.
The Impact Player rule, another contentious topic, was also discussed at the meeting. While some, including Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, have expressed reservations about the rule, the BCCI has extended it until at least 2027. The official rationale is that the rule benefits uncapped batters and bowlers by providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise receive. The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, providing them with greater flexibility and strategic options. However, it has also been criticized for potentially disrupting the balance of the game and limiting opportunities for certain players. Some argue that the rule can lead to teams relying too heavily on specialized players, rather than developing well-rounded cricketers. Others worry that it can create a situation where uncapped players are used primarily as substitutes, rather than being given the chance to develop their skills in more meaningful roles. Despite these concerns, the BCCI has decided to retain the Impact Player rule, at least for the time being. The board believes that the rule provides valuable opportunities for uncapped players and adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the game. However, it is likely that the Impact Player rule will continue to be a subject of debate and discussion within the cricketing community. The decisions made at the captains' meeting reflect a complex interplay of factors, including health concerns, competitive balance, and strategic considerations. The BCCI is attempting to navigate these challenges in a way that preserves the integrity of the game while also enhancing its appeal to fans. The outcome of these changes remains to be seen, but they are certain to have a significant impact on the upcoming IPL season and beyond.
Source: BCCI Changes Big Rule For IPL 2025 After Mohammed Shami Complaint, Lifts Ban On...