COVID and the Saliva Ban

The Tradition

For as long as anyone could remember, cricketers shined the ball using saliva. It was one of the sport's most fundamental practices — lick your fingers, rub the ball, maintain the shine on one side to help it swing.

Bowlers were particular about ball maintenance. Some famously ate specific sweets to produce better saliva. It was an art form within the sport.

COVID Changes Everything

When cricket resumed after the initial COVID lockdown in 2020, the ICC introduced a ban on using saliva on the ball. The reason was straightforward: saliva could potentially transmit the virus.

Players were instead told to use sweat to shine the ball. Many bowlers initially complained, saying it wouldn't be as effective.

The Surprising Result

Data from matches played under the saliva ban showed no significant reduction in swing bowling. Sweat proved to be a perfectly adequate substitute.

Bowling averages, swing percentages, and scoring rates remained broadly similar. The feared impact on ball maintenance simply didn't materialize.

Permanent Ban

In 2022, the ICC made the saliva ban permanent, even as other COVID restrictions were lifted. The reasoning was:

• Sweat worked just as well
• It simplified ball maintenance rules
• It was more hygienic regardless of COVID
• It removed one potential avenue for ball tampering (using substances disguised by saliva)

Timeline