BCCI Revokes Saliva Ban: Players Can Shine the Ball Again in IPL 2025

The BCCI has officially lifted the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to shine the ball using saliva in IPL 2025. The restriction was initially imposed in 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols, but with normalcy returning, the rule has now been revoked.

This decision is expected to benefit swing bowlers, especially in venues like Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium, where conditions often assist pace and swing bowling. The saliva ban had forced bowlers to rely solely on sweat, which was less effective in maintaining the shine on the ball.

With the IPL schedule 2025 featuring high-intensity clashes, this rule change could have a significant impact. Eden Gardens' weather, with its humidity and evening breeze, is likely to assist swing bowlers even more. Teams with strong pace attacks will gain an advantage, making the competition even more thrilling. As franchises prepare for the season, bowlers can now rely on an old, trusted method to extract swing and movement.