ICC bans use of saliva to shine ball, approves replacements in test cricket

Following global outbreak of coronavirus pandemic International Cricket Council (ICC) besides ratifying the interim ban on using saliva to shine the ball, has approved substitution in case a player shows symptoms of COVID-19 during a Test match.

ICC has also re-introduced non-neutral umpires for bilateral series as part of its interim playing regulations to tackle the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the five new regulations, recommended by the Anil Kumble-chaired Cricket Committee, and ratified by the Chief Executives Committee (CEC), the teams will also be allowed an additional DRS call as home umpires will now be officiating in bilateral Test series.

The ICC in a press release said that a 32-inch additional logo would also be permitted on the players’ jerseys, for Boards to make up for financial losses due to pandemic. However, the regulation for COVID-19 replacements will not be applicable in ODIs and T20Is, it added.