The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball has been lifted, and a new rule introducing a second ball for the second innings of each match has been implemented.
These key decisions were communicated during a meeting held by the BCCI and IPL management with team captains and managers in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20th. Sources who attended the meeting at the BCCI headquarters have confirmed these rule changes.
The second ball will be introduced after the 11th over of the second innings in all IPL matches. This rule is primarily aimed at addressing the impact of dew, which often becomes a significant factor in evening matches.
By implementing a second ball, the BCCI intends to neutralize any potential advantage gained by the team winning the toss due to dew. This ensures a more balanced and competitive playing field throughout the match.
The decision to revoke the ban on saliva was widely anticipated, especially after prominent players like Mohammed Shami publicly advocated for its removal.
Shami, among other international cricketers such as Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, emphasized the importance of using saliva to generate swing and reverse swing, crucial aspects of fast bowling.
The ban on saliva was initially imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the risk of virus transmission. With the pandemic receding, voices within the cricket community, led by figures like Shami, have grown louder in calling for the ban to be lifted.
Regarding the introduction of the second ball, the decision to use it will rest with the umpires. They will assess the presence of dew and determine if a ball change is necessary. Consequently, this rule is expected to be primarily applied in night matches, with afternoon games unlikely to require a second ball.
