Following a successful finger surgery, Captain Sanju Samson has rejoined the Rajasthan Royals squad in preparation for IPL 2025, as reported in recent cricket news.
22.03.2025England’s Batsman Harry Brook Faces Harsh Criticism Following Two-Year IPL Ban: “Importance of Respect…” | Cricket News
22.03.2025
**BCCI Mulls Over Significant Rule Alteration for IPL 2025 – Key Insights**
In what could potentially influence cricket globally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is deliberating over lifting the ban on the use of saliva for shining the ball in the upcoming Indian Premier League season, commencing March 22. This proposal has been rigorously debated within the BCCI and will be presented to IPL team captains during a meeting scheduled in Mumbai on Thursday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) initially prohibited the traditional practice of using saliva due to health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and made this restriction permanent in 2022. Consequently, the IPL integrated this regulation into its own playing conditions post-pandemic, despite operating independently of the ICC’s jurisdiction.
A senior BCCI official remarked to the Press Trust of India: “The use of saliva for ball maintenance was integral to cricket until the pandemic. With the current diminishing threat, we see no harm in overturning this ban within the IPL. While its effectiveness is more pronounced in red-ball cricket, allowing this practice in the IPL could provide bowlers with slight advantages in the white-ball format. As the IPL often sets trends in cricket, we are eager to see what the captains decide.”
Should the IPL revoke this ban, it could influence the ICC to reconsider its stance. Addressing the need for saliva’s return, senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami emphasized its importance for achieving reverse swing, advocating for its use amidst the batters’ dominance in modern cricket. His views were supported by eminent fast bowlers like Vernon Philander and Tim Southee. Shami highlighted this during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, where India emerged as champions.
The existing penal provisions for saliva application in IPL matches are strictly enforced. Initially, a warning is issued to the fielding team’s captain. A second violation results in a final warning, while a third transgression incurs a monetary fine of either INR 10 lakh or 25% of the player’s match fee, whichever is less, as delineated in last year’s IPL guidelines.
**Expansion of DRS to Include Wide Balls**
Furthermore, the IPL is poised to sanction the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) for assessing wide balls outside the off-stump and for deliveries deemed to be high. According to a BCCI official: “Hawk-Eye and ball tracking technologies will be employed for these evaluations. Teams can challenge the on-field umpire’s call on wide balls if they believe the decision was incorrect, thereby tapping into the analytical capabilities of DRS.”
**Relevant Topics**: Mohammed Shami, IPL 2025, Cricket
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