Every Major Ball Tampering Scandal in Cricket Before PSL

A big controversy has broken out after claims of ball tampering in PSL during a close match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. As per a report from Al Jazeera, Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has been officially charged over the issue. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaman denied the claims during a disciplinary hearing held by match referee Roshan Mahanama.

A final verdict is likely within 48 hours, and a Level 3 offence could lead to at least a one-match ban. The incident took place in the last over of the game when Karachi Kings needed 14 runs to win. Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and fast bowler Haris Rauf were seen talking near the bowler’s run-up. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi then checked the condition of the ball and decided that it had been altered, resulting in a five-run penalty and replacement of the ball.

Ball Tampering in Cricket History - Till 2026

Ball tampering refers to the act of doing something illegal to change the condition of the cricket ball, apart from using sweat or normal polishing. Players try to do this to affect how the ball moves in the air or off the pitch, which gives bowlers an unfair edge. Let's have a look at some famous ball tampering scandals in cricket:

1. John Lever Vaseline Incident | England | 1976-77

One of the earliest major controversies happened during England’s 1976–77 tour of India. Fast bowler John Lever used gauze with Vaseline to keep sweat out of his eyes, but Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi claimed it got onto the ball and helped it swing more. Lab tests found a greasy substance, but England denied any wrongdoing, as Lever said he used the Vaseline only to stay comfortable in the intense heat, and no action was taken against Lever.

2. Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 2000

In 2000, Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, who was one of the best bowlers in the world of his era, became the first cricketer to receive an official suspension for ball tampering in international cricket. During an ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, umpires ruled that he had intentionally damaged the seam of the ball. As a result, he was fined 50% of his match fee and given a one-match ban.

3. England vs Pakistan Match Forfeit | 2006

A major controversy occurred at The Oval in August 2006 when umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove accused Pakistan of ball tampering on day four of a Test against England. They gave England five penalty runs and changed the ball. Pakistan, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, felt insulted and refused to return to the field after tea.

The umpires then awarded the match to England, the only Test decided this way. Later, no clear proof of tampering was found. Inzamam was cleared of that charge but banned for his team’s conduct.

4. Shahid Afridi Perth Incident | 2010

In January 2010, Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi was caught ball-tampering during an ODI against Australia in Perth. TV cameras showed him biting the ball more than once between overs. He later accepted his mistake, saying he did it to assist the bowlers. The ICC punished him with a two-match ban in T20 internationals.

5. Sandpaper Gate | Cape Town | 2018

This is widely seen as the most famous ball-tampering case. During the 2018 Cape Town Test between Australia and South Africa, cameras showed Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper on the ball and then trying to hide it.

Later, Bancroft and one of the best test batsmen in the world, Steve Smith, admitted the plan, with David Warner also involved. The ICC gave Smith and Bancroft one-match bans, but Cricket Australia imposed heavier punishments as Smith and David Warner were banned for a year, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

Conclusion

The ball tampering PSL 2026 situation has reminded fans of past incidents, which received heavy bans. It has initiated debate over umpiring standards and how ball-tampering is judged. Some fans suggest that several players handled the ball, making it hard to blame just one person.

Lahore Qalandars supporters also question if there is enough proof to charge Fakhar Zaman alone. The PCB will review video footage and the referee’s report before making a final decision.