'I don't understand the logic behind that' - Michael Holding turns down ICC's idea of banning saliva to shine the ball

The outbreak of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc all across the world as more than 2 lakh deaths have occurred due to the pandemic. Along with the human existence, the pandemic has also taken a toll on sporting activities. Furthermore, the consequences of the outbreak are anticipated to be much more complicated.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, International Cricket Council (ICC) may have to introduce a new rule in the sport which will aim to ban the use of saliva or sweat to shine the ball. ICC, during its recent CEC meeting, considered the use of artificial substances such as vaseline on the ball instead of saliva.

This move might divide the cricket fraternity into two halves as many former players have a contradictory opinion over the ban of saliva. West Indies legend Michael Holding also opined over the issue and said that legalising ball-tampering in the post COVID-19 world will be a bit “self-contradictory”.

Holding added that he doesn’t see the logic behind introducing the ban as he questioned the ICC for allowing foreign substance instead of saliva or sweat.

“I have read that ICC is contemplating preventing people from using saliva on the ball due to COVID-19 and allowing them to use foreign substances on the ball to keep the shine on but in front of the umpire. I don’t understand the logic behind that,” Holding told ESPNCricinfo.

“Before they got to that point they said if they restart cricket it has to be played in a bio-secure environment,” he added.

‘Why would you want to play cricket under those circumstances?’: Michael Holding

According to Holding, cricketers would have already self-isolated themselves before playing the match. Hence, the players would be unfazed about someone’s saliva when they would be already staying in the bio-secure environment.

“They were saying cricketers, for instance, would have to isolate themselves for two weeks to make sure that everything was fine for when they got to the venue before the match started. And everyone involved (with the match) will have to do the same thing,” said Holding.

“Now, if you are saying everyone is in the bio-secure environment, you are staying in the same hotel, you are not moving for the length of time you are playing the matches, if that is the case why are you worried about someone’s saliva?”

“That person according to what you are doing should be free of Covid-19. If the ICC thinks that the two-week period to prove that you are free of Covid-19 is not foolproof, then that means you are putting everyone in that environment in jeopardy?”

“Why would you want to play cricket under those circumstances? It’s either safe or it’s not. No guessing, please,” added the West Indies great.

Pakistan legend Waqar Younis has also come out in support of the use of saliva and has stated it’s a natural process.

“As a fast bowler, I reject this because this (using saliva and sweat) is a natural process. A ball exchanges hands all day, you run in, huffing and puffing, you sweat and using saliva is natural rather than on intent. It’s a habit and you just can’t control this aspect,” Waqar said.