Ball Tampering in Cricket
What is ball tampering in cricket? Famous incidents, the Laws that prohibit it, and the penalties players and teams face for altering the ball illegally.
Ball tampering is the deliberate alteration of the cricket ball's surface in an illegal manner to gain an unfair bowling advantage. It is one of the most serious violations in the Laws of Cricket and can result in severe penalties including match bans and career-ending reputational damage.
What Counts as Ball Tampering
- Applying artificial substances (hair gel, wax, lip balm, sunscreen) to the ball.
- Scratching, gouging, or roughening the ball's surface with fingernails, metal, or abrasive objects.
- Picking the seam to raise it artificially.
- Using any object (bottle caps, spikes) to alter the condition.
Famous Incidents
| Incident | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sandpaper Gate — Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft (AUS vs SA) | 2018 | Smith and Warner banned 12 months; Bancroft 9 months |
| Michael Atherton (England) — dirt in pocket | 1994 | Not charged; dirt may have been soil from the rough area |
| Faf du Plessis — lip salve on ball | 2016 | Fined 50% of match fee — deemed ball tampering |
| Shahid Afridi — biting the ball (Pakistan) | 2010 | Two-match ODI ban |
Penalties Under the Laws
- Five penalty runs awarded to the batting team.
- Ball replaced with one in equivalent condition.
- Repeat offences: reported to ICC and escalating sanctions.
- Career bans and criminal proceedings are possible in extreme domestic cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is using sweat illegal?
No — sweat is permitted as a natural substance. The 2022 saliva ban means only sweat can be used, not saliva. Any artificial additive (including substances applied to skin earlier in the day) is illegal.
How do umpires detect ball tampering?
Umpires regularly inspect the ball throughout the match. TV cameras and match officials also monitor fielders' interactions with the ball. Suspicious changes in condition prompt an investigation.