Dubai – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved crucial changes to enhance the gameplay in the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 22, 2025. These updates include lifting the ban on the use of saliva and introducing the Decision Review System (DRS) for specific judgments on wides.
Fast bowlers have faced challenges on dry pitches, often relying on reverse swing as their primary strategy. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibited the use of saliva, a key element for maintaining the ball's shine necessary for achieving reverse swing. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami voiced his concerns during the Champions Trophy held in Dubai, where he struggled on spin-friendly pitches. “We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game,” Shami told reporters. He emphasized the need for this technique to enhance bowlers' efficacy.
Following Shami's passionate appeal, the BCCI took swift action. In a recent captains' meeting held in Mumbai, the majority of captains voted in favor of allowing saliva use in the upcoming IPL, making it the first major cricket competition to do so. A top BCCI official stated, “The saliva ban has been lifted. The majority of captains were in favour of the move. Some had reservations, and some sat on the fence, but most supported it.” This decision acknowledges that while the effect is more pronounced in red-ball cricket, it could still aid bowlers substantially in limited overs matches.
For Shami and other bowlers, this decision comes as a welcome relief. The 34-year-old, who recently underwent knee surgery, had an impressive performance in the Champions Trophy, taking a five-wicket haul in India’s opening win over Bangladesh, followed by three dismissals against Australia in the semi-finals. Shami also secured the pivotal wicket of Daryl Mitchell during the final, helping India clinch victory by four wickets and ending a 13-year wait for a 50-over ICC trophy.
In addition to reinstating saliva use, the IPL's upcoming season will implement the DRS for height-related wides and wides that go beyond the off-stump. This advancement is designed to enhance the accuracy of decisions made during matches. As stated by the BCCI, “Hawk-Eye and ball tracking will be used to decide on height wides and wides outside the off-stump.” This technological enhancement is expected to ensure fairer outcomes and reduce contentious decisions that can affect game dynamics.
Moreover, for evening matches, the BCCI has decreed that one ball will be changed after the 11th over of the second innings due to dew. This is not considered a rule change but rather an understanding reached this season between teams and umpires, marking an adjustment to the existing gameplay structure. An official mentioned, “The changed ball will have wear and tear.”
The IPL is set to kick off in Kolkata, featuring a match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The anticipation surrounding these changes has heightened excitement for the tournament, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike as teams prepare for a competitive season.
