The ban on using saliva to polish the ball was first put into place by the ICC during the Covid-19 pandemic
“We are trying [to get reverse swing], but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed,” Shami told reporters after India’s four wicket win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final. “We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting.”
The ban on using saliva to polish the ball was first put into place in May 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, as a temporary measure. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.