CPL 2020: Trinbago Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard inadvertently uses saliva on ball in the final

Trinbago Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard won the toss and opted to field against St Lucia Zouks in the final of the Caribbean Premier League. Three-time CPL winners Riders will be aiming to add another trophy in their collection. Zouks, on the other hand, are playing in their first-ever CPL final, having made to the playoffs just for the second time in the tournament’s history.

After electing to field first at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad, Riders were successful in striking early as they dismissed Rahkeem Cornwall in the second over. Ali Khan’s delivery hit straight on the middle stump, breaking Cornwall’s defence and steering Riders to an impressive start.

However, Riders’ skipper Pollard caught the attention in the very same over by applying saliva on the ball. Before the last ball of the over, Pollard inadvertently put saliva on the ball after fielding it in the covers. The game has introduced certain changes including the saliva ban but several players have shined the ball out of habit.

Sanitizing wipes were brought in by the umpires to clean the ball

The game was halted as sanitizing wipes were brought in by the umpires to clean the ball. During the pandemic era, saliva ban and absence of spectators have been two significant changes which the world has witnessed. To curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the field, the ICC was left with no option but to put the usage of saliva at a halt. However, the apex cricket body hasn’t prohibited sweat for polishing the ball.

This isn’t the first instance when a player has accidentally put saliva on the ball. England’s Dom Sibley also used saliva during the first Test against West Indies. Recently, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir was also spotted using saliva during the first T20I against England. Considering the natural instincts of bowlers, it looks like they’re having a hard time in altering their on-field habits.

According to the new post-coronavirus rules issued by the ICC, the bowling team will get a warning if saliva is used to shine the ball. If the team attempts the same more than twice, it will be given a five-run penalty. Meanwhile, St Lucia Zouks, despite Cornwall’s departure, have put up 74 runs on the board in the first eight overs.