Ball Tampering Laws in Cricket

Ball tampering is a serious offense in cricket and is strictly governed by the Laws of Cricket. Any attempt to alter the condition of the ball by illegal means to gain an unfair advantage is classified as tampering. The consequences of ball tampering can be severe, affecting both individual players and teams. In this guide, we’ll explore the laws regarding ball tampering, what constitutes tampering, and the penalties associated with breaking these rules.

What Is Ball Tampering?

Ball tampering is defined as the act of unlawfully altering the condition of the cricket ball during a match to affect its movement through the air or its behavior off the pitch. The most common goal of ball tampering is to enhance swing by manipulating one side of the ball to create uneven aerodynamics. However, this must be done within the legal constraints of the game.

For legal ways to maintain the ball’s condition, see our Ball Shining Techniques guide.

What Constitutes Ball Tampering?

According to the Laws of Cricket, players are not allowed to use any external substances or objects that may alter the condition of the ball. Actions that are classified as tampering include:

Using Foreign Substances: Applying substances such as lip balm, sunscreen, sugary drinks, or any other external agents to the ball is prohibited. These substances can make the ball swing more or behave unpredictably.
Scratching or Scuffing the Ball: Players are not allowed to scratch the ball with their fingernails, spikes, or any sharp object. Deliberate scuffing of the ball to roughen one side is a clear violation of the rules.
Using Equipment to Alter the Ball: Using sandpaper, bottle caps, or other tools to damage the ball is illegal. This type of tampering was at the heart of the infamous sandpaper scandal in 2018, where Australian cricketers were caught using sandpaper to change the condition of the ball.
Artificially Roughening the Ball: Rubbing the ball on the ground, on boundary boards, or any other abrasive surface is also considered tampering.

However, there are legitimate ways to maintain the condition of the ball that do not violate the laws, such as using sweat to shine one side. Learn more about these techniques in our Ball Shining Techniques guide.

ICC Rules on Ball Tampering

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strict rules regarding ball tampering under Law 41 of the Playing Conditions:

Any attempt to alter the condition of the ball beyond normal wear and tear is classified as ball tampering.
Umpires have the authority to inspect the ball at any time during the match if they suspect it has been tampered with.
If tampering is discovered, the ball is immediately replaced with a different ball in a similar condition before tampering occurred.
In addition to replacing the ball, the umpire can award five penalty runs to the batting side.
The players involved may be subject to additional penalties such as fines, suspensions, or bans, depending on the severity of the offense.

Famous Ball Tampering Incidents

Over the years, there have been several high-profile cases of ball tampering that have resulted in suspensions and bans for players. Here are some of the most notable incidents:

2018 Sandpaper Scandal: During a Test match between Australia and South Africa, Australian cricketers were caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. This incident led to lengthy bans for captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, who was seen applying the sandpaper. This scandal remains one of the most infamous cases of ball tampering in cricket history.
Michael Atherton 1994: England captain Michael Atherton was fined for applying dirt from his pocket to the ball during a Test match against South Africa. While Atherton claimed he was using the dirt to dry his hands, the incident was classified as tampering.
Faf du Plessis 2013 and 2016: South African captain Faf du Plessis was fined twice for ball tampering—once in 2013 for rubbing the ball on the zipper of his trousers, and again in 2016 for applying a sweet to the ball to enhance its shine.

Penalties for Ball Tampering

Players caught tampering with the ball face significant penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the tampering and the governing body’s rules. Common penalties include:

Suspension from Matches: Players found guilty of ball tampering may be suspended for a specific number of matches, especially in international cricket.
Fines: Players and teams may also face heavy fines for violating the rules. The ICC and national cricket boards often impose monetary penalties on teams involved in tampering incidents.
Bans: In extreme cases, players can receive longer bans from international cricket, which can damage their careers and reputation.

How to Maintain the Ball Without Tampering

While tampering is illegal, there are legal methods to maintain the ball’s condition and gain an advantage. Players can:

Use sweat or saliva (where allowed) to shine one side of the ball.
Polish the ball using the clothing to maintain a smooth, shiny side.
Avoid roughing up the ball unnecessarily and let the ball naturally wear down over time.

Learn more about these techniques in our Ball Shining Techniques guide.

Conclusion

Ball tampering remains one of the most controversial and heavily penalized actions in cricket. While there are legitimate ways to maintain the ball’s condition, using illegal methods such as applying foreign substances or scratching the ball will lead to serious consequences. Players and teams should focus on the legal techniques to achieve swing and maintain their ball’s condition without breaking the rules. For a deeper understanding of how ball condition affects gameplay, check out our Swing Bowling and Reverse Swing guides.