Saliva ban lifted, IPL bowlers allowed to use it again to shine the ball.

In a significant development for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the ban on using saliva to shine the cricket ball has been officially lifted. This change, which comes after years of restrictions imposed due to health concerns, will allow bowlers to once again use saliva as part of their routine to maintain the condition of the ball during matches. The decision has been welcomed by players, coaches, and experts alike, who believe that it could have a profound impact on the dynamics of the game, particularly for fast bowlers.

The Background of the Saliva Ban

The saliva ban was introduced in 2020 as part of a series of COVID-19-related health and safety protocols. At the height of the pandemic, governing bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC) were forced to take unprecedented steps to minimize the risk of virus transmission. Since saliva is a bodily fluid, the use of it to shine the cricket ball was seen as a potential vector for the virus. As a result, the use of saliva was prohibited in international cricket and domestic leagues like the IPL, with players only allowed to use sweat to shine the ball.

This rule was met with mixed reactions, especially from fast bowlers, who rely on saliva to maintain the ball’s condition and generate swing. While sweat could be used, many players felt it wasn’t as effective as saliva in achieving the desired level of ball shine. The shift also brought about a shift in playing conditions, with players needing to adapt their strategies to deal with the lack of traditional ball maintenance methods.

The Reasons Behind Lifting the Ban

The lifting of the saliva ban comes as cricket returns to a sense of normalcy post-pandemic. As health risks related to COVID-19 have decreased, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have decided to relax the restrictions that had previously been enforced. The decision to reintroduce the use of saliva was made after extensive consultations with medical experts and cricket bodies, who have assured that it no longer poses a significant health risk.

In addition to health reasons, the ICC and BCCI also recognized the growing concern among players and coaches about the impact of the ban on the quality of the game. Fast bowlers, in particular, have expressed frustration with the limitations imposed on them. The saliva method, often paired with skillful seam movement and tactical deliveries, is a key aspect of fast bowling, particularly in conditions that favor swing.

The decision also aligns with the ICC’s desire to bring back as many elements of the game as possible to normal, ensuring that cricket remains as competitive and exciting as it always has been. With bowlers now permitted to use saliva again, the conditions will likely return to pre-pandemic norms, making for a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

Implications for the IPL

The lifting of the saliva ban is expected to have immediate consequences for the IPL, which is known for its fast-paced and high-scoring nature. The IPL’s emphasis on fast bowling, combined with the league’s typically flat pitches, often makes it challenging for bowlers to extract movement from the ball. Swing, especially in the early overs, has historically been a significant weapon for fast bowlers, and the ability to shine the ball with saliva is seen as a key factor in achieving this.

With the saliva rule lifted, IPL bowlers, especially pacers, will have the opportunity to regain some of their edge. Bowlers who rely on swing, such as Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, and Jasprit Bumrah, will benefit from this change, as the ability to use saliva will allow them to manipulate the ball’s condition more effectively. The ability to maintain the ball’s shine throughout the innings will likely help keep the opposition batsmen in check, creating a more even contest between bat and ball.

The change also brings about a strategic shift for captains and team management. Bowlers will have an added tool at their disposal to dictate terms to the opposition, and the use of saliva could play a significant role in planning field placements and attacking line-ups. Bowlers may also be more inclined to bowl in challenging conditions, knowing that they can now manage the ball more effectively.

The Science Behind Using Saliva

The technique of using saliva to shine the ball is an integral part of cricket, particularly for fast bowlers. Saliva helps maintain one side of the ball in a shiny, smooth condition while allowing the other side to become rougher. This difference in texture creates a pressure differential when the ball is bowled, causing it to swing in the air. The level of swing that can be achieved depends on several factors, including the condition of the ball, atmospheric conditions, and the skill of the bowler.

In the past, bowlers have found that saliva works more effectively than sweat, especially in humid conditions, as it can provide a more durable shine. While sweat can also be used, it doesn’t always produce the same level of effect. This is why the return of saliva could significantly enhance fast bowlers’ ability to swing the ball, especially in the early stages of an IPL match, where early breakthroughs are crucial.

Reactions from Players and Experts

The lifting of the saliva ban has been met with a positive response from many players. Fast bowlers, in particular, have hailed the move as a much-needed return to tradition. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, welcomed the decision, stating that it would allow him to regain the control he once had in the early overs. Similarly, international stars like Mitchell Starc and Kagiso Rabada expressed their relief, stating that being able to use saliva again would allow them to return to their best form.

Cricket analysts and coaches have also praised the move, noting that it will level the playing field between batsmen and bowlers. While batsmen have long been able to rely on high-tech bats and gloves to enhance their performance, bowlers were left with fewer resources under the saliva ban. The reintroduction of the practice is seen as a step toward maintaining the balance between bat and ball, which is essential for the health of the game.

Looking Ahead

With the saliva ban now lifted, the 2024 IPL season is expected to witness a new dynamic in fast bowling. While the ban may have led to changes in strategies, bowlers will now have an extra tool in their arsenal to challenge batsmen. This shift could have a profound effect on how the game is played, with swing and seam movement making a return to the forefront of the IPL, providing fans with even more thrilling and competitive cricket.