The Cricket Committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) which is led by former India captain Anil Kumble, has recommended a ban on the usage of saliva to shine the ball due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The players would be allowed to use sweat to shine the ball as the members saw no health hazard as it is not a virus transmitter, as per medical advice. 

Cricket Committee also recommends local umpires and match referees for international matches as the Decision Review System (DRS) is there to help them out.

ICC Cricket Committee chairman Anil Kumble said in a statement, “We are living through extraordinary times and the recommendations the Committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game whilst protecting everyone involved.”

The use of saliva to shine the ball is for the bowlers to swing the ball, especially in the longest format of the game. But now the usage of saliva is being seen as a health risk.