Ahead of the 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) match, which begins on Saturday, March 22, between the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the storied Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering lifting the saliva ban.
The suggestion has reportedly been studied extensively within the BCCI and will be presented to the captains of all ten IPL clubs on Thursday, March 20, during a meeting in Mumbai.
As a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibited the use of saliva to polish the cricket ball.
The ICC made this prohibition permanent in 2022. Although the IPL Governing Council complied with the ICC’s regulations following the outbreak, the sport’s governing body has no influence over its playing conditions.
“Until COVID struck, splattering saliva on the ball was a fundamental aspect of the game. We believe there is no damage in eliminating the prohibition on saliva in the IPL now that we don’t face that threat,” the Times of India cited a BCCI source as saying.
“We recognise that it has a greater effect in red-ball cricket, but even if it somewhat aids bowlers in white-ball cricket, it ought to be permitted in the IPL, a tournament that sets trends. “Tomorrow, we’ll see what the captains decide,” the person continued.
The ICC’s position on the subject may change if the ban is ultimately lifted in the 10-team competition.
Mohammed Shami recently pleaded with the ICC to remove the prohibition on shining cricket balls with saliva. He clarified that prohibiting the use of saliva on cricket balls reduces the sport’s appeal and hampers reverse swing. Among others, Vernon Philander and Tim Southee offered assistance to the Indian seamer.
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