The debate over the ICC’s saliva ban has intensified following two major developments: a cricexec poll revealing overwhelming industry support for its removal and the BCCI’s recent decision to lift the ban for IPL 2025. These events are now putting significant pressure on the ICC to reconsider its stance and reinstate saliva use for reverse swing in international cricket.
Cricexec poll: Industry overwhelmingly supports lifting the ban
Cricexec recently conducted a poll among top global cricket executives, asking: Should the ICC lift its saliva ban that was imposed during COVID—and bring back reverse swing?
The results were resoundingly in favor, with 82% saying yes and only 18% opposing the move. These figures reflect a growing sentiment within the cricketing world that the rule, initially introduced for health reasons during the pandemic, has outlived its necessity and is unfairly limiting bowlers’ ability to generate reverse swing.
BCCI lifts ban for IPL 2025, turning up the heat on the ICC
In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced today that it has reversed the saliva ban for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. According to reports, the decision came after discussions between IPL captains, bowlers, and officials, recognizing that saliva plays a critical role in maintaining the ball for reverse swing.
The saliva ban was first introduced by the ICC in June 2020 as part of cricket’s return-to-play protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure was seen as a necessary precaution to prevent potential virus transmission through the ball. However, with the global health crisis subsiding and scientific data showing minimal risk, players and experts have increasingly questioned the need for the restriction.
The BCCI’s decision to lift the ban followed a captains’ meeting in Mumbai, where several team leaders and fast bowlers expressed concerns about how the rule had diminished their ability to extract reverse swing, particularly in subcontinental conditions. A BCCI official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated: “The use of saliva has been a fundamental part of cricket for generations. We have assessed the situation carefully, and after discussions with key stakeholders, we believe it is time to bring it back—at least at the IPL level.”
This move by the BCCI not only impacts the IPL but also puts direct pressure on the ICC to follow suit for international cricket. With the world’s biggest T20 league setting a precedent, governing bodies across formats will be forced to revisit the issue.
Cricket voices calling for the ban’s reversal
A number of prominent cricketers and experts have spoken out in favor of bringing back saliva to help bowlers get reverse swing:
- Ravi Ashwin questioned the ICC’s findings, saying: “ICC released some papers after research showed that saliva did not aid reverse swing much, not putting saliva on the ball has not made a huge difference. I do not know how they did the research, but saliva should be allowed again if it is not a problem. Otherwise, cricketers have to get on with it.” (Cricexec)
- New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee echoed these sentiments, advocating for the ban’s removal: “That was a rule brought around Covid with the virus going around the world, but I think as a bowler, you want to have a slight advantage.”
- Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, strongly supports the saliva ban reversal: “We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing.” (Cricexec)
Is the ICC next?
The combination of overwhelming industry support (as reflected in the Cricexec poll) and the BCCI’s move in the IPL now makes it increasingly difficult for the ICC to maintain the saliva ban without facing further pushback.
The original justification for the ban—concerns over COVID-19—arguably no longer applies in the post-pandemic world. Additionally, critics argue that banning saliva has unfairly tilted the game in favor of batters, diminishing the art of reverse swing, especially in longer formats of the game.
With the T20 world’s most powerful league now officially lifting the ban, will the ICC be forced to act? The ball is in their court.
