The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement the ban in June after receiving medical advice that spit poses a COVID-19 transmission risk. Bowlers traditionally get the ball to move in the air, deceiving the batsman, by shining one side using sweat or saliva. Anil Kumble, chairman of the ICC cricket committee, said this week that the saliva ban was only intended to be a temporary measure during the coronavirus crisis. But he said if bowlers were disadvantaged by a saliva ban, they should be given more leeway elsewhere. Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is developing a wax applicator that allows players to shine the ball without using saliva.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 26, 2020 14:03 UTC