Saliva ban interim measure but wax not allowed: Kumble

ICC cricket committee chairman Anil Kumble says the recommendation to ban saliva for shining the ball is only an interim measure and "things will go back to normal" once the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control.

The Kumble-led panel recommended a ban on saliva to minimise the risk of infection. On Friday, the ICC, in its guidelines for resumption of the game, 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.

"If things get back to normal within three-four months and we are able to stage matches like we used to do in February and March, then these rules won't apply.

"As long as the medical advisory doesn't change, the rule will stay," he added.

The legendary former spinner, however, acknowledged the bowler's dependence on saliva.

"Of course we all know saliva has been a part and parcel of cricket for so many years.

"As bowlers, we used to apply saliva on ball, sometimes for grip also, we applied saliva. But with this disease, it can also be asymptomatic, that is why we decided to ban it," he explained.

The ban on saliva has elicited mixed response from the bowlers, who said it would definitely come in the way of generating swing.

There have also been discussions on whether the ICC would allow usage of external substances like wax to shine the ball. Kumble said there were discussions on usage of external substances but the suggestion was turned down.

"Using wax is not allowed, we have never used external substances. We can use sweat.  Everyone is talking about (how) it will affect the pacers, grass should be left. Why not leave it dry and play two spinners?" he quipped.

"...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," Kumble added addressing the speculation.

He cited the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which led to bans on Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

"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 said.

"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.