Cricket Ball-Tampering Laws 2026: History, Famous Cases and Penalties

Ball tampering is illegal alteration of the cricket ball's surface. The laws are in ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.2.9 — penalties range from match-fee deductions to long suspensions. Here's the full history and what's allowed.

What is ball tampering?

Any unauthorized alteration to the ball's condition — sandpaper, bottle caps, mints, fingernails, dirt. Legal maintenance includes polishing with sweat + cloth.

ICC penalty structure

Minimum: 100% match-fee fine + 3 demerit points. Serious: up to 1-year ban. 4+ demerit points in 2 years = suspension.

Sandpaper-gate (2018)

Australia vs South Africa. Steve Smith + David Warner banned 12 months, Bancroft 9 months. Turning point in modern tampering enforcement.

Saliva ban post-COVID

As of 2022, saliva is permanently banned from ball shining — only sweat is legal. Players can no longer spit-polish.

Famous historical cases

Michael Atherton 1994 (dirt in pocket — £2000 fine). Sachin Tendulkar 2001 (cleared — ICC said it was natural dust).

Rules around mints, sandpaper, lozenges

Mints altering saliva chemistry = tampering. Faf du Plessis fined for mint-polishing in 2016.

Related reading

Reverse swing physics explained and how to swing cricket ball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ball tampering in cricket?

Illegally altering the ball's surface to gain swing or movement advantages.

Is using saliva on the ball legal?

No — saliva has been banned since 2022.

What happened in 'sandpaper-gate'?

Australia were caught using sandpaper in 2018. Smith, Warner and Bancroft were banned.

What is the ICC penalty for ball tampering?

Minimum 100% match-fee fine + 3 demerit points, up to full suspensions.

Can players polish the ball with sweat?

Yes — sweat + cloth is legal.

The takeaway

Bookmark the IPL 2026 points table, live schedule, and Dream11 tools. CricJosh refreshes every hub after every match.