Summary
Saliva is permanently banned from being used to shine the cricket ball. Introduced as a COVID-19 health measure in 2020, the ban was made permanent in 2022.
Full Explanation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICC banned the use of saliva to shine the cricket ball as a health precaution. Players had traditionally licked their fingers and applied saliva to one side of the ball to keep it shiny and assist swing bowling.
The ban was initially temporary but was made permanent in 2022 after studies showed: - Sweat alone was sufficient for ball maintenance - No significant reduction in swing was observed - It simplified ball maintenance rules
Players can still use sweat to shine the ball. They can also use their clothing to polish it.
The permanent saliva ban was significant because it removed one of cricket's most traditional practices. Many bowlers initially complained, but data showed bowling averages and swing percentages were not materially affected.
Key Points
- •Saliva banned initially as COVID-19 precaution in 2020
- •Made permanent by the ICC in 2022
- •Sweat can still be used to shine the ball
- •No significant impact on swing bowling statistics
- •Simplified ball maintenance rules
Notable Controversies
- •Initially controversial — many bowlers felt it would reduce their effectiveness
- •Data showed minimal impact on swing bowling averages
- •Traditionalists mourned the loss of a century-old practice
Related Rules
Ball Tampering (Law 41.3)
Illegally altering the condition of the cricket ball is a serious offence. Players may shine the ball using natural substances but cannot use artificial materials, scratch, or pick at the seam.
New Ball Rules
Teams can take a new ball after a certain number of overs — 80 in Tests, new ball at the start in LOIs. Different ball brands (Kookaburra, Dukes, SG) behave differently.
Reverse Swing
When an old ball swings in the opposite direction to conventional swing — a phenomenon mastered by Pakistani bowlers and often linked to ball tampering allegations.