Hyderabad: You may have seen cricketers often applying saliva or sweat on the ball during a match, but now the time is not far when this will become a thing of the past. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers are likely to be prevented from applying saliva that helps them shine the ball, a common trick in the game to pose a challenge to the batsmen. Nevertheless, this will have a direct impact on the game if ICC enacts the rule. Experts believe this will make the job of batsmen easier and eventually affect the intensity quotient of the game.
ICC's no to saliva use receives sharp response from cricket community. In fact, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the ICC Cricket Committee under the chairmanship of Anil Kumble has recommended a ban on the use of saliva on the ball but didn't recommend a ban on sweat use. However, the ICC is yet to take a call on it. A final decision will be taken on this matter in the ICC Chief Executive meeting next month.
As this is being seen as a big challenge to the game, cricketers from all over the world have reacted to this concern.
ICC Cricket Committee chairman Anil Kumble Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma said, "We know there are talks of some changes and adjustments in cricket, but I feel cricketers will have to get used to the new normal, whatever that is. The ball may not shine as per your liking if you are not allowed to use saliva, or you may have to go and fetch the ball yourself during nets, but there is no option but to get used to these things. But honestly, I don't like to think about these things too much. I feel it is important to stay in the present and not look too far ahead"
ICC Cricket Committee Chairman Anil Kumble said, "We are living through extraordinary times and the recommendations the committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game"
Former Australian veteran spinner Shane Warne, however, has suggested an alternative to saliva and sweat. He insisted that weighted balls can be used in cricket. He believes that this will help the bowlers to make the ball swing without any health hazards.
Former Australian veteran Matthew Hayden said, “I find the ICC’s ‘no saliva-yes sweat’ decision strange. These are things which are integral to cricket and I don’t know how it’s going to change. The more sensible option is to test the players properly and ensure that they are COVID negative. If the players in action are virus-free, they should be allowed to use both"
