Most Controversial Ball Tampering Incidents That Shocked The Cricketing World

Every game has its own set of rules and regulations. And messing with those rules can cause you to suffer a lot. In the world of cricket, the biggest crime is said to be Ball Tampering. It’s when you try to change the state of the ball by any means to cause you benefit in that match; Sounds Familiar? If any cricketer is charged with Ball Tampering there are strict laws against it. Ball Tampering is a level two offense and can result in 100% cut in your match fee. Let’s have a look some of the Most Controversial Ball Tampering Incidents.

1. Chewing It To Change It

During a One Day Innings in Perth, in 2010, Shahid Afridi was seen chewing the side of the ball. He was then, charged with a Two Days Ban from the match. Later on, he apologized for being caught chewing the ball.

2. Kicking Off The Dirt

Sachin Tendulkar during a tour to South Africa in 2001, was charged 75% of his match fee for Tampering the ball. He was caught on the camera seemingly working on the edge of the ball. On Field Empire charged him for Ball Tampering when rest of the team raged, saying it’s a controversy against us. Sachin Tendulkar was only trying to rub off some dirt from the ball. As a result, the whole match was said to be suspended.

3. Seam Play With The Ball

Waqar Younis has also been charged with Ball Tampering in 2002. He had been caught on camera Lifting the Seam of the Ball. He admitted his fault and was charged with a 100% ban on his One Match.

4. Rubbed Saliva To Win The Match

Rahul Dravid, the then Vice-Captian of India was charged with Ball Tampering during an ODI with Australia in 2004. He was fined for rubbing Saliva and taking off a Jelly-like substance from the ball. He denied his charges put by Empire Clive Lloyd although he was fined with half of his match fee.

5. Sweaty Palms For Ball Tampering

During 1994 England team’s captain Michael Atherton was charged with Ball Tampering. He was seen putting his hands in his pocket and then putting something on the Ball. Michael defended himself saying, he was drying his sweaty palms on a humid day. He was freed from allegations although later on, he admitted that he kept dirt in his pockets to Dry off the Sweat. This led him to get charged with 2000 pounds. 1000 for ‘Using Dirt’ and the rest for keeping it hidden during Investigation.