Coronavirus hits cricket: ICC mulls 'legalised' ball-tampering to curb saliva on the ball

coronavirus pandemic has put global sport on hold and during this time, medical professionals have been working out possibilities of a safe return for cricket. Multiple reports had emerged in past that medical professionals were urging cricket boards to t allow bowlers to use saliva to shine ball as it may spread coronavirus. w, re are significant new updates which may change history of sport.

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Coronavirus: Cricket to legalise ball tampering in favour of containing coronavirus

Cricket bowlers, especially in Test cricket, depend heavily on using ir saliva for shining ball through its 80-over life span. This shine allows bowlers to get lateral movement in air and swing ball. However, it was being reported that medical professionals were t too happy about se practices and have urged cricket boards to strictly stay away from m.

In a new report by ESPNcricinfo, it is being mentioned that ICC is taking tice of risks that come along with bowlers using saliva to shine ball. According to report, it looks like apex body is w considering allowing of a pre-decided external substance that can be used to shine ball.

This practice will essentially be ball-tampering if looked at through current rules, but new rules will require ball to be shined in supervision of umpire. ICC will also have to figure out a way to employ this rule throughout all forms of cricket so that coronavirus risks get mitigated at all levels. It is being reported that ICC and MCC will meet up before any significant rule updates are made.

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Will Sandpapergate 2018 be legal after rule change?

Sandpapergate 2018 incident was biggest incident of ball-tampering where Australian player Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to smoon ball. Even if reported rule change happens, it is very likely that hidden substances like sandpaper and more will t be allowed on ball. And even if external substances are allowed, y will only be allowed under umpire supervision. 

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Coronavirus' impact on cricket and its future

Cricket is currently on a hold with all major tournaments eir postponed or cancelled. IPL is currently suspended by BCCI and so are most or competitions. ICC has t given an update on T20 World Cup which is scheduled to begin on October 18 in Australia. If T20 World Cup gets cancelled, BCCI may be able to host IPL in that time.

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