The reversal of the saliva ban for IPL 2025 is a significant move, especially after nearly four years of its enforcement due to COVID-19 protocols

That’s a major shift! The return of saliva for ball maintenance in IPL 2025 is likely to give bowlers—especially pacers—an added edge, particularly in conditions where swing can be a decisive factor. Since the ban was imposed in 2020 due to COVID-19, bowlers had to rely solely on sweat to shine the ball, which wasn’t as effective in producing swing, especially under dry conditions. Now, with saliva back in play, we could see a revival of conventional swing bowling in the powerplay and potentially some reverse swing at the death. This decision could be a game-changer for fast bowlers, especially in the latter stages of an innings where reverse swing can be a crucial weapon. The IPL has generally been a high-scoring tournament, and with surfaces often favoring batters, this might help level the playing field a bit. Siraj’s point about sweat being ineffective for maintaining the shine is valid, and Bumrah’s earlier call for an alternative now seems even more relevant. With the ICC still upholding the saliva ban in international cricket, it will be interesting to see if other leagues or even international boards reconsider their stance based on IPL’s move. Shami, Southee, and Philander make strong arguments, especially considering how batting-friendly the game has become. With high scores becoming the norm in ODIs and T20s, bowlers need every tool possible to keep things competitive. Reverse swing has historically been a crucial skill in balancing the contest, and without saliva, it has become far less effective. Now that the IPL has brought it back, the big question is whether the ICC will reconsider their stance for international cricket. If this move leads to a noticeable impact in IPL 2025—perhaps with bowlers getting more assistance in the death overs—the demand for lifting the saliva ban in international cricket could grow even louder.