Ball Tampering in Cricket
What ball tampering means in cricket, the laws and penalties under Law 41, famous incidents, and how ICC anti-tampering regulations work.
What Is Ball Tampering?
Ball tampering is the illegal alteration of a cricket ball's condition to gain an unfair swing or seam advantage. Law 41.3 prohibits any deliberate action to change the condition of the ball other than the actions explicitly permitted — namely, polishing the ball with saliva or sweat and drying it.
What Is Allowed
- Polishing the ball with saliva (now restricted in international cricket post-COVID — sweat only)
- Drying a wet ball with a towel
- Removing mud from the seam with a fingernail
- Natural wear from play
What Is Prohibited
- Scratching the ball's surface with a fingernail or object
- Applying sweets, lip balm, sunscreen, or other substances
- Lifting the seam artificially
- Using sandpaper or any abrasive material
- Deliberately roughing one side on the ground
Penalties Under ICC Regulations
| Offence Level | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Level 2 (first offence) | 5 penalty runs to batting team + formal reprimand |
| Repeated offence | Suspension from international cricket |
| Ball replacement | Ball replaced with one of similar wear |
Famous Incidents
The 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal — in which Australian players Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith, and David Warner were caught using sandpaper on the ball against South Africa — resulted in lengthy bans and is the most widely publicised ball-tampering case in the sport's history. Earlier controversies involved Faf du Plessis (mints on the ball, 2016) and Imran Khan (openly admitted roughing the ball in 1992).
Reverse Swing Connection
Teams sometimes tamper with the ball to accelerate reverse swing — the aerodynamic effect that causes an old ball to swing toward its rough side at high pace. Legitimate reverse swing occurs naturally with a well-maintained ball. Illegal tampering tries to manufacture this condition artificially.
Frequently asked questions
What are the penalties for ball tampering in cricket?
Five penalty runs are awarded to the batting side, the ball is replaced, and the offending player receives a formal reprimand under ICC Level 2 regulations. Repeat offences can lead to match suspensions.
Is saliva still allowed in international cricket?
No. ICC permanently banned saliva for ball maintenance in international cricket in 2021 — a regulation introduced as a COVID-19 measure. Sweat remains permitted.