Pakistan fast bowlers welcome lifting of ban on saliva use for ball shining

Pakistan’s fast bowlers have welcomed the decision to lift the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, calling it a positive development for bowlers.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had imposed the ban during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing bowlers to rely on sweat to shine the ball. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now lifted the restriction for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah expressed his thoughts on the decision, stating, “Due to the ban, we had to shine the ball using sweat, but saliva makes the ball shine faster. If saliva is allowed, one side of the ball will maintain its shine more effectively. However, good bowling depends on more than just ball maintenance.”

Naseem further added that while lifting the ban might not make a significant difference, it could help in achieving a reverse swing earlier in an innings.

Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr also welcomed the decision, noting that using saliva on the ball would be beneficial for bowlers.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf shared similar sentiments, saying, “The ban was in place due to COVID-19, but saliva helps shine the ball more quickly and effectively. Now that it is allowed again, bowling will return to the way it was before, just like traditional cricket.”