India’s Cricket Committee (BCCI) is set to make a major decision before the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 begins. In particular, the BCCI plans to ban saliva from being applied prior to the IPL 2025 season, which begins on March 22nd.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned the use of saliva on balls during the Covid-19 pandemic, but players were able to sweat. However, many cricketers raised concerns that sweat would not keep the ball sparkle or help the reverse swing. The practice of using saliva was important for fast bowlers.
BCCI leaves decision on lifting saliva ban on IPL captain
Although IPL had adopted ICC saliva ban during the Covid-19 pandemic, BCCI is currently considering a reversal of its decision. According to a PTI report, a top BCCI official said the IPL does not fall under ICC’s jurisdiction and that lifting the ban is not an issue.
Officials said that saliva has had a major impact on red ball cricket, but they still think it can help T20 bowlers. The proposal is being discussed internally, with captains of all IPL teams expressing their opinions during a meeting in Mumbai on March 20th.
“Using saliva on a ball was part of the game’s essence until Covid hit. Now that the threat is gone, I feel it’s harmless to lift the IPL saliva ban.”
“We understand that it will have a big impact on red ball cricket, but even if we can help bowlers a little in the white ball game, it should be allowed in the IPL, a trend setting tournament. Let’s see what the captain will decide tomorrow.”
All 10 team captains will meet at BCCI headquarters on March 20th
All 10 IPL team captains will meet on March 20th at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai for a customary meeting and official photo shoot.
In addition to the discussion of SALIVA BAN, the IPL is set up to approve a height-based wide and wide decision review system (DRS) outside the stamp.
“Hawk’s eyes and ball tracking are used to determine the wide and wide height of the outside height of the stump. If the field referee gives a wide ball for height, the team is allowed to review.
IPL 2025 kicks off Saturday with KKR vs RCB opener
IPL 2025 is scheduled to start on Saturday, March 22nd. Defending champion Kolkata Knight Rider (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opener of Eden Gardens.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the afternoon of March 23rd, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the evening.
A total of 70 league matches and four playoff games will be played at 13 venues. Qualifying 1 and Eliminator will be held in Hyderabad on May 20th and 21st, respectively. Qualifying 2 and finals will be held in Kolkata on May 23rd and 25th.
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