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Senior Indian pacer Mohammad Shami has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider the saliva ban, stating that it has significantly impacted the ability of fast bowlers to generate reverse swing.
Shami’s remarks come after India’s thrilling four-wicket win over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, which secured their place in the final.
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Shami: Reverse Swing Has Become Rare Since Saliva Ban
The ICC permanently banned the use of saliva to polish the ball in 2022, citing health concerns following the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, fast bowlers have used saliva to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, which helps produce reverse swing—a crucial weapon in the later stages of an innings.
However, since the rule change, reverse swing has become increasingly rare, especially in ODIs, where two new balls are used, further reducing the chances for bowlers to extract movement in the air.
After the semi-final, Shami voiced his concerns, urging the ICC to bring back the use of saliva.
“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing,” Shami said, as quoted by News18.
Shami on the Challenge of Leading India’s Pace Attack Alone
Shami also opened up about the challenges of leading India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.
With Bumrah unavailable, Shami has shouldered the responsibility of leading the pace attack, sharing the new ball with Hardik Pandya while India has opted for a spin-heavy lineup. Despite the added pressure, he has been exceptional, picking up eight wickets so far, including three in the semi-final against Australia.
“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more to the team. It is a responsibility when there are no two proper pacers, and I have to shoulder more responsibility,” he stated.
‘I’ve Gotten Used to It’ – Shami on Bowling Without Bumrah
Shami admitted that his workload has increased in Bumrah’s absence, as he now has to bowl in crucial phases while also looking to take wickets.
“There is a load when you are the main pacer, and the other is an all-rounder. Because you have to take wickets and come back for crucial spells. It can be challenging, but I’ve gotten used to it,” he said.
When asked about his strategy, Shami emphasized the importance of patience and skill adjustments in the latter part of the innings.
“In white-ball cricket, you don’t need to overthink early on. The real skill adjustments come after 30-35 overs, when the game changes,” he concluded.
As India prepares for the Champions Trophy final on March 9, Shami will once again play a crucial role in India’s quest for the title. Meanwhile, his plea to reconsider the saliva ban has sparked a fresh debate on whether cricket should bring back one of the most effective tools for fast bowlers.
