Saliva-ban will be lifted once things go back to normal: Anil Kumble

The Kumble-led ICC Cricket Committee recommended a ban on saliva to avoid potential COVID-19 spread.

ICC Cricket Committee chairman Anil Kumble on Sunday (May 24) made it clear that recommending a ban on the traditional practice of using saliva to maintain the shine of the ball is only an interim measure and "things will go back to normal" once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

See Also - Saliva-ban could make bowlers work harder and improve their skillset: Joe Root 

The Kumble-led panel recommended a ban on saliva to avoid potential on-field viral spread. On Friday (May 22), the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued guidelines for resumption of the game, in which the governing body also suggested a bar on the practice.

"...this is only an interim measure and as long as we have hopefully control over COVID in a few months or a year's time then I think things will go back to as normal as it can be," Kumble told Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

In order to swing the ball, especially in the longest format, fast bowlers around the world used to apply saliva on the cherry but the practice is now being seen as hazardous for health.

As the committee proposed banning the use of saliva last week, it became a hot topic of discussion in the cricket fraternity.

There have also been speculations on whether the ICC would allow usage of external substances like wax to polish the ball.

Kumble revealed there were discussions on usage of external substances.

"...if you look back at the history of the game, I mean we have been very critical and we have been very focused on eliminating any external substances coming into the game," the former India captain said.

"Whether you are literally legalising, if you are looking to do that now which obviously has had a great impact over the last couple of years," he added.

Kumble gave the example of 2018 ball-tampering scandal to put forward his point.

Australian cricket was shaken to the core after cameras had caught Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball at Newlands. Subsequently, then captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were given 12-month bans while Bancroft was handed a nine-month suspension under Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct.

"ICC took a decision but then cricket Australia took, even a more tougher stance on what happened during that series between South Africa and Australia, so we did consider that," he said.

(With PTI inputs)