April 17, 2025: Australia’s speed sensation Mitchell Starc, currently playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025, has shared his thoughts on the use of saliva to shine the cricket ball, a topic that has been widely discussed ever since the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned its use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking after his match-winning performance in DC’s IPL clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Starc expressed his views on the difference between using saliva and sweat, especially in the context of white-ball cricket. The BCCI recently lifted the saliva ban for IPL 2025, reigniting the discussion about the best methods to maintain the ball’s shine.
“I don’t use it (saliva). I think it’s a myth. Some people think they swear by it. I don’t know what the difference is with sweat and saliva. I don’t reckon it makes a difference. It can make a difference on the red ball. I don’t reckon it makes a difference on the white ball,” Starc said during an interview with Star Sports.
Starc’s stance on the matter contrasts with other bowlers like India’s Mohammed Shami, who has expressed frustration over the ban on saliva, particularly in its effect on the reverse swing, which is crucial for fast bowlers. Shami has called for global regulators at the ICC to lift the saliva ban to restore this vital part of bowling in red-ball cricket.
On the field, Starc’s impact was undeniable in DC’s dramatic victory over RR. After a stellar performance, where Starc bowled brilliantly in the final overs, including the Super Over, he helped secure a nail-biting win for DC. Despite RR needing nine runs in six balls in the regular match, Starc managed to concede only eight runs, taking the game into a Super Over. He then gave away only 11 runs in the Super Over, with DC chasing down the target in just four deliveries.
Following this thrilling win, DC currently sits atop the IPL 2025 points table. The franchise will now look to continue their momentum as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans on April 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.