Saliva Ban Lifted: A New Era for Cricket Bowling
Players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), from its upcoming 18th edition, will once again be permitted to use saliva to shine the cricket ball. This regulatory change marks a reversal of a five-year-old ban implemented due to health concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision, backed by the majority of franchise captains, signifies a substantial shift in bowling techniques back to traditional methods.
Historical Context and Bowler Benefits
Saliva has purposefully been used by fast bowlers to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, a technique crucial for achieving reverse swing—a movement that allows the ball to deviate in ways unexpected by the batsman. Particularly in red-ball cricket embracing this technique is pivotal. Here, the ball’s maintenance by saliva becomes even more strategic, allowing bowlers to exploit the aerodynamics of the aged ball in drier conditions.
“Using saliva is important for maintaining the shine and aids in generating reverse swing,” remarked Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, emphasizing the tactical advantages it brings back to play. Echoing this sentiment, Indian teammate Mohammed Shami has long been advocating for the lifting of the ban to reinvigorate this aspect of the bowling arsenal.
Diverse Perspectives
While the lift is largely seen as a positive step back to cricket’s classical play style, some caution persists. Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian fast bowler, advised prudence, citing potential hygiene concerns. His stance reminds us of past societal shifts concerning health and safety in sports, demonstrating the balance between tradition and modern precautions.
Impact on the Game
The return to allowing saliva in cricketers’ toolkits could recalibrate the game dynamics, particularly in the batter-friendly confines of T20 matches like those in IPL. Some pundits, such as sports writer Sharda Ugra, suggest the move could bring the contest between bat and ball back to a more balanced state. Despite evolving trends favoring high scores, the lifting of this ban potentially offers bowlers the edge they’ve been seeking.
FAQs About the Saliva Ban
Why was the saliva ban initially implemented?
The ban was introduced in May 2020 for health reasons during the Covid-19 pandemic to minimize the potential transmission of the virus.
How does saliva impact reverse swing?
Saliva helps maintain a ball’s shine, facilitating one side to become smoother and conducive to reverse swing in later stages of a delivery, which can occur against the expected flight path.
Will this change in IPL influence global rules?
While it’s a significant development for the IPL, whether the ICC will follow suit remains unclear. The potential for change in international cricket hinges on long-term evaluations of health guidelines and gameplay balance.
Could this affect player health?
The decision to use saliva again will require players to consider personal hygiene meticulously. The cricketing community will need to adapt practices to ensure safety without compromising competitive integrity.
Pro Tip: Shak•Flow Bowling Technique
Saliva’s reintroduction allows for enhanced implementation of the “Shak•Flow” technique, where a balanced application of saliva can help fine-tune the ball’s flight dynamics, amplifying bowlers’ performance during critical match phases.
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