Ball Tampering: Where Fair Play Fails

Ball Tampering: Where Fair Play Fails

 Cricket – a sport wrapped in tradition, honor and the spirit of fair play which holds reasons to be called A GENTLEMAN’S GAME. But behind the whites and willow, under the roar of the crowd, lies a dark chapter, actually the darkest chapter of the game. Occasionally, we have witnessed it. The ugly paw of the game is Ball Tampering. It is not just against the law of cricket but also a crime and disrespect towards the game. It’s a betrayal with the game. A moment where desperation takes over discipline, where reputation is gambled for some extra amounts of swing just to beat the batter. Ball Tampering has jolted the cricketing world time and again, disappointing fans and legends disgrace. It’s not about the shining leather – it’s about the love and respect towards the game. 

Cricket walks on the laws ICC makes. But disgraceful players find their way to question the game and violate the game. To stop ball tampering, ICC imposes strict laws and they work according to the laws. According to the Law 41.3 of cricket, players are only allowed to polish the ball with saliva or sweat and must not use any artificial substance or tool. Any breach is considered unfair and may result in penalties.

In 2018, the ban on the mighty Australian captain (Steve Smith) and vice-captain (David Warner) shocked the entire cricket world. Though they came back from the ban and redeemed, they had to show outstanding performance to be back on their throne. Bancroft failed to make his way back to the Aussie squad. This sandpaper scandal was a huge humiliation for Cricket Australia. But the Aussie team found their reputation showing their classy performance in the field.

How Ball Tampering Works?

Ball Tampering refers to any attempt in changing the ball’s shape or to shine the ball by going against the ICC laws. Mostly the bowling side tampers the ball to disturb the batter or to wash the momentum they are in. Pacers swing the ball inside and outside hoping to shake the batter and get some sort of edge to dismiss him from the pitch. But when a bowler is in disposition, might think of taking a step of breaking the ethics and tampering the ball. Tampering one side of the ball helps the pacers to have the reverse swing (swinging the ball in air). Swinging the ball is the beauty of cricket but doing it in an illegal way is like showing unprofessionalism and disrespect in relation to the game. Horrifying swings help to unsettle the batter and discomfort timing the ball in the middle of the bat. It takes the edge and flies to the wicket-keeper or the slip fielders. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were the kings of swings. Wasim Akram is well-known as the sultan of swing. He was the bowler who could swing the ball when new or old. Swings happen because of the aerodynamics of the ball – shine side and seam position as the air moves faster on the shiny side and slower over the rough side. Ball Tampering helps to do this thing. Many incidents have occurred with the tampering. In 2006, Pakistan team was penalized for ball tampering. Due to that, umpires gave them penalties in favor of Team England, in protest Pakistan team refused to take the field after tea. England was awarded the match- the first ever forfeiture in test cricket. In 2010, during a match against England Shahid Afridi was caught biting the ball in an attempt to alter its condition. He was punished several times on the account of tampering the ball.

        Tampering the ball is the dark side of the game. It costs the earned respect at stake. Legends were disgraced for this kind of action. Some were lucky enough to have the second chance to redeem but some potentials are lost forever. When cricket is passion and it means more than just a game; where identity and pride there must be no space for deceit, even in the tiny execution. ICC now has serious strict laws. A player can be banned from 6 test matches to 12 ODIs if found guilty. The sandpaper incident is still fresh to the cricket loving country. Playing with passion and dedication is the main motto. Players give their best to win and play fair and square to have an entertaining match for the crowd. May whatever the result, playing with dignity matters. Winning respect is also the cause that keeps the players get going.