“Some People Think…”: Mitchell Starc Contradicts Mohammed Shami’s Take On COVID Era Rule That Sparked A Debate

The use of saliva to shine cricket balls in the current edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has generated contradictory opinions. Before IPL 2025, the BCCI has lifted the long-standing ban on the use of saliva, imposed for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the tastes of Mohit Sharma, Axar Patel and others hosted the elevation of the ban, the Australia Star and the Capitals of Delhi Mitchell Starc have given a completely contradictory reaction to the use of saliva. Starc’s comment came after brilliantly helped DC claiming a super-victory against the Royals of Rajasthan on Wednesday.

Starc a limited RR at 11/2 in 0.5 balls in the Super. Later, DC crossed the line and hunted 12 points in just four balls.

After the match, Starc was asked about his opinions about the use of saliva by querors. He said such things were not a difference for him and called him a “myth”.

“I don’t use it. I think it’s a myth. Some people think they swear it. I don’t know what is the difference with sweat and saliva. I don’t think that makes a difference. It can make a difference on the red ball. I don’t think it’s a difference on the white ball,” Starc said.

Starc’s statement completely contradicted the taking of the rhythm of India Mohammed Shami, who had previously declared that the rule made it difficult for the quieurs to swing the ball.

Meanwhile, the Skipper of DC Axar Patel praised the reversal of this rule and called it just to quisors.

“Since we can use saliva this season, and as there is not a lot of grass on the surface, you can make sure that the balloon is reversed. I think it’s just for querors, given the way the grounds are and how the battles of the drummers are and how the races continue to flow,” said Axar.

“We get 180-190 scores, and it is fun when it happens, because it is competitive cricket, and it is not as if there was nothing for what else. So, I think that we are able to obtain an inverted backup due to the use of saliva,” he added.