Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Saliva ban lifted for upcoming IPL: reports

The T20 competition barred the practice after it was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a precautionary measure during the pandemic.

ipl-bowling-getty

The use of saliva to shine one side of the old ball and keep the other rough helps fast bowlers get the leather ball to swing late. (Representational image: Getty)

Getty

BOWLERS will be allowed to apply saliva to balls in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, local media said on Thursday.

The use of saliva to shine one side of the old ball and keep the other rough helps fast bowlers get the leather ball to swing late.


The T20 competition barred the practice after it was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a precautionary measure during the pandemic.

But on Thursday, reports said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had lifted the ban for the latest IPL season starting Saturday after a majority of team captains agreed on the move.

"The saliva ban has been lifted. Majority of captains were in favour of the move," a top BCCI official told the Press Trust of India news agency.

The Indian Express newspaper also quoted an unnamed BCCI official as saying: "This was the BCCI’s domestic tournament and so we are not bound by ICC's guidelines here."

India pace spearhead Mohammed Shami recently made an appeal to allow the use of saliva in the game's 50-over format.

"We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game," Shami told reporters in Dubai during the Champions Trophy.

"We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing."

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

ipl trophy

Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has generated billions in revenue, solidifying the BCCI’s position as one of the wealthiest governing bodies in sport.

Getty Images

Everything you need to know about IPL 2025: Teams, players, and new rules

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is set to begin on Saturday, featuring 10 teams playing 70 league matches over the next eight weeks.

The tournament, which will conclude with the final at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on 25 May, remains one of the biggest T20 leagues in the world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Syed Abid Ali

Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. (Photo: BCCI)

Former India allrounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

FORMER India allrounder Syed Abid Ali died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

Abid Ali, who was known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away in the United States. He was part of a distinguished group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry Brook

Brook was vice-captain of the England squad which suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy after losing all three group games. (Photo: Getty Images)

Brook faces IPL ban after Delhi Capitals no show

ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second successive year, a decision that could trigger a ban from future editions.

Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals in December 2023, but pulled out of last year's campaign following the death of his grandmother.

Keep ReadingShow less
India vs Australia

India had been in the top two of the WTC table for most of the past year but dropped to third after losing at home to NZ and then 3-1 to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (Photo: Getty Images)

India not making WTC final to cost Lord’s £4 million

LORD'S is expected to lose nearly £4 million in revenue for the ICC World Test Championship final after India failed to qualify, The Times reported.

Australia will face South Africa in the five-day Test match in June, but India’s absence has reduced the financial windfall for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Keep ReadingShow less
india-champs-BCCI

The world’s top-ranked ODI team remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played in Pakistan and the UAE. (Photo: BCCI)

India beat New Zealand to claim third Champions Trophy title

INDIA secured their third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma led from the front with a crucial 76, supported by a disciplined spin attack that restricted New Zealand to 251-7 in Dubai.

Keep ReadingShow less