Cricket Ball Tempering History: Darkest Scandals That Shook the Game

Cricket, often known as the gentleman’s game, has witnessed controversies. Among the most debated and unfair acts in cricket is ball tampering—a practice where players manipulate the cricket ball’s condition to gain an unfair advantage. While some incidents resulted in minor penalties, others led to global outrage and severe punishments. This article explores the cricket ball tempering history, some of the biggest scandals, and the impact of such incidents on the game.

What is Ball Tampering?

Ball tampering is an illegal act in which something is used to temper with the ball. Some common methods are as follows:

• Scratching the ball with fingernails or spikes.
• Using foreign substances like sandpaper, mints or dirt.
• Applying saliva mixed with artificial substances to enhance shine.
• Roughing up the ball using the ground, gloves or teeth.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strict rules against ball tampering, but that has not stopped players from attempting it over the years.

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Biggest Cricket Ball Tempering History in Cricket

1. The 1977 England vs Pakistan Incident

In one of the earliest recorded incidents, England’s John Lever was accused of using Vaseline on the ball to gain extra swing. The controversy led to heated debates, but no action was taken against Lever.

2. The 1990s: Pakistani Fast Bowlers Under inquiry

Legendary Pakistani fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram were changed with illegally reverse swinging the ball in the 1990s. Waqar Younis was fined and suspended in 2000, making him the first player to be formally disciplined for interfering with the ball.

3. Rahul Dravid’s Lozenge Trick (2004)

Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid was caught applying lozenge (candy) saliva to the ball in an ODI against Zimbabwe. The ICC fined Dravid 50% of his match fee, but he later clarified it was an unintentional act.

4. England’s Jelly Bean Scandal (2007)

During a Test match against India, England players were accused of using jelly beans to alter the ball’s condition. Though no direct evidence was found, the incident added to the long list of ball tampering suspicions.

5. The 2010 Shahid Afridi Bite Controversy

Shahid Afridi was caught on camera biting the cricket ball during and ODI against Australia. Afridi later admitted to his actions and banned for two matches.

6. The 2013 Faf du Plessis Incident

During a Test match against Pakistan, south African Cricketer Faf du Plessis was observed rough the ball by rubbing it on his zip. Despite being fined half of his match money. But the South Africa Cricket Board denied accepting this incident.

7. The 2016 Faf du Plessis Mint-Gate

In another scandal, du Plessis was seen applying saliva mixed with mint on the ball during a Test match against Australia. He was fined but not banned, and the South African team defended him strongly.

7. The 2018 Sandpaper Incident – Australian Cricket’s Biggest Shame

Undoubtedly the most infamous ball tampering scandal in cricket history, the 2018 Cape Town Test between Australia and South Africa exposed shameless cheating by the Australian team.

What Happened?

• Australian player Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera rubbing sandpaper on the ball.
• Captain Steve Smith and Vice-Captain David Warner were found guilty.
• The incident sparked global outrage, forcing the Australian Cricket Board to take strict action.

Punishments

• Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for one year from international cricket.
• Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban.
• Smith and Warner lost their leadership roles permanently.

The scandal led to a massive shake-up in Cricket Australia, with resignations, reforms, and an overall of team ethics.

Impact of Ball Tampering on Cricket

• ICC Rules: The ICC has introduced penalties, including suspension and fines, for any ball tampering attempts.
• Reputations: Players involved in such scandals often struggle to rebuild their careers and credibility.
• Technological Surveillance: Enhanced camera monitoring ensures that every ball movement is under scrutiny, reducing the chances of illegal schemes.

Can Ball Tampering Be Stooped Completely?

Despite multiple punishments, players continue to find new ways to manipulate the ball. The only way to eliminate ball tampering is strict punishments and increased awareness.

Final Thoughts

The cricket ball tempering history is filled with some of the darkest moments in the sport. From controversial tricks to shameless cheating, ball tampering has caused massive scandals over the years. While cricket remains a game of skill and strategy, such unethical acts tarnish its reputation.

With new regulations and technology, the sport is moving towards a cleaner future, but whether ball tampering disappears completely remains to be seen. Until then, every cricket fan hopes to witness fair play and sportsmanship on the field.