Mohammed Shami orders Jay Shah to lift saliva ban
Published - 05 Mar 2025, 05:54 PM | Updated - 05 Mar 2025, 11:40 PM
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Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has expressed his concern about the decline of reverse swing in cricket since the ban on using saliva to shine the ball after the Men in Blue qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling win over Australia in the semifinal.
Mohammed Shami believes that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should reconsider the rule to bring back as it would help fast bowlers get reverse swing back into the game. Notably, the ICC had permanently banned the use of saliva to polish the ball in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mohammad Shami wants ICC to reconsider saliva ban
Historically, the fast bowlers used saliva to maintain the shine on one side of the ball, allowing them to generate movement in the air. However, ever since the International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibited its use, reverse swing has become rare, especially in ODIs, where two new balls are used from both ends, making it even harder for bowlers to bring reverse swing.
Mohammed Shami was quoted as saying by News18 after IND vs AUS Semifinal: “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.”
Meanwhile, Shami admitted that leading India’s pace attack alone after a long injury break has been a big challenge for him in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the senior pacer is focused on regaining his rhythm to help the team in their mission to lift the trophy.
Mohammed Shami opens up about the challenges of leading India’s pace attack solo in ICC Champions Trophy
Shami has taken on the responsibility of sharing the new ball with Hardik Pandya, as Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the ongoing prestigious tournament due to a back issue. However, Harshit Rana is there, but the team decided to stick with four spinners in the tournament.
While fulfilling the duty of the main pace-bowler for the Men in Blue, Shami has so far snared eight wickets, including three wickets during India’s four-wicket win over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal on March 4 in Dubai.
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The Indian star added, “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.”
'I’ve gotten used to it'
Shami admitted that his workload has increased due to Bumrah’s absence from the other end, but he is determined to give his best to the team. He explained, “There is a load when you are the one 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 signed off by saying on his strategy, “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.”
