Ball Tampering Cases in Cricket – The Major Controversies 

Ball tampering cases in cricket history have shaken the world. There are multiple instances where the gentlemen’s game has been tarnished as some of the biggest names in cricket have been found guilty of ball tampering.

Ball Tampering Cases in Cricket – What is Ball Tampering?

As the name suggests, ball tampering is tampering with the ball. It includes scuffing the ball up with your nails or chewing gum or saliva to shine the ball deliberately so that you can help the bowler. Sometimes, players use saliva to smooth one part of the ball. This type of ball usually aids in the reverse swing.

Ball Tampering Cases in Cricket – What Are the Penalties?

The penalties can be severe if a player is caught with ball tampering cases in cricket. Since the Cape Town controversy in 2018, where three Australian cricketers were found guilty of ball tampering, the ICC has chosen to come down heavily on players found guilty of ball tampering. If a player is found guilty of ball tampering, they can be banned for up to six Test matches or 12 ODIs.

If a player is charged with changing the condition of the ball, then they will be charged with a level 3 offense. Earlier, it was level 2. Even though the penalties for Level 3 are also hardened. Earlier, you would have had eight suspension points leading to four tests and eight ODIs; it will now be 12 suspension points minimum.

Ball Tampering Cases in Cricket History – Five Infamous Incidents

Ball tampering cases in cricket are not new. There have been many such incidents that have left the players with huge embarrassment. Here are the top five ball-tampering incidents in international cricket:

Sachin Tendulkar Found Guilty

In 2001, India was touring South Africa. After the loss in the second Test, Tendulkar was slapped with 75% of the match fee and got suspended for the next Test match by match referee Mike Proctor, who thought he was tampering with the ball. However, the cameras revealed that he was cleaning the seam. A big storm ensued, and the BCCI threatened to pull out of the tour. Nonetheless, India played the final match of the series, which was an unofficial Test.

Waqar Younis in Trouble

On the tour of Sri Lanka in 2002, Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis became the first bowler to cop a one-match ban after cameras caught him scuffing up the ball’s seam. Azhar Mahmood was also penalized 30% of his match fees.

Shahid Afridi Gets Banned

During an ODI series in Australia in 2010, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi was seen chewing the ball on camera. The incident happened during an ODI match in Perth, and he was handed a two-match ban soon after.

Faf du Plessis Faces Heat

During a Test match against Australia in Hobart in 2016, cameras caught Faf du Plessis using mint to change the ball’s condition. Later, the ICC found him guilty under the breach of law 42.3, despite the cricketer pleading not guilty.

Steve Smith and David Warner Pay the Price

During the second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018, Cameron Bancroft was caught red-handed rubbing the ball with a paper. He revealed that it was something called “sandpaper.” Later that day, skipper Steve Smith and David Warner confessed that they were the masterminds of this affair. Cricket Australia slapped Warner and Smith with 12-month bans, while Bancroft was given a nine-month ban. It was one of the worst ball tampering in cricket Australia history. 

Concluding Thoughts

Ball tampering cases in cricket is one of the most shameful incidents in the game. Though ball tampering won’t destroy a player’s career, all the name and fame they have garnered will evaporate in a minute. Look at the example of Steve Smith and David Warner, who were humiliated publicly, and both ended up giving tearful press conferences.

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