Akhtar in Trouble Again ?

[Donny]

Shoaib accused of ball-tampering again
Wisden CricInfo staff - 20 May 2003

Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar faces a possible ban if he is found guilty of ball-tampering during the sixth match of the Bank Alfalah Cup in Sri Lanka. Shoaib was hauled before the match referee, Gundappa Viswanath, on Tuesday night after television footage during Pakistan's 22-run win over New Zealand at Dambulla today suggested that he was trying to alter the condition of the ball.

Viswanath requested TV evidence after the match, and held an hourlong hearing with the match umpires Daryl Harper (Australia) and Peter Manuel (Sri Lanka) as well as the Pakistan team management. "The umpires advised me to view television clippings, believing that the condition of the ball may have been changed," said Viswanath. "I will make my decision tomorrow." That decision is expected at 1230 local time (0630 GMT) tomorrow.

The incident was brought to the attention of the third umpire, Gamini Silva, after the TV broadcaster showed close-up shots of Shoaib apparently scratching the quarter-seam of the ball. If found guilty of breaking Law 42.3, which refers to changing the condition of the match ball, he will be face a minimum four-match ban, as this would be his second offence inside the last 12 months.

This allegation is another controversial incident in Shoaib's career. As well as having endured scrutiny on his bowling action since the start of his international playing days, he recently faced a one-match suspension during Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe before the World Cup for throwing a plastic bottle at spectators during a match.

[HAL]

Hmm. . . sounds interesting. . . Okay.

[couragous cloke]

he'll be right, when i saw the topic name i thought he was chuckin again.

[Fradam]

Ball Tamperers tend to get off. Tendulkar a few years back was clearly lifting the seam with his fingernails and he got off.

[Donny]

Shoaib banned for two matches
Charlie Austin - 21 May 2003

Shoaib Akhtar has been fined 75% of his match fee and banned for two one-day internationals for ball-tampering. Akhtar was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball (Law 42.3) and breaching Level 2.10 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players.

Shoaib was hauled before Gundappa Viswanath, the match referee, on Tuesday night after television footage showed him scratching the surface of the ball during Pakistan's 22-run victory over New Zealand.

"Tampering with the ball is contrary to the laws and the spirit of cricket," said Viswanath. "I consider this offence to be of a serious nature and the penalty imposed reflects this view.

"It is unfair to attempt to gain any advantage by altering the condition of the ball, apart from the traditional method of polishing, or the drying of a wet ball," added Viswanath. "Players are aware that they can clean the seam under the direct supervision of an umpire."

Shoaib, who pleaded not guilty, will miss the final of the Bank Alfalah Cup on Friday.

Shoaib was warned for ball-tampering during Pakistan's recent tour of Zimbabwe by Clive Lloyd and, later in the same tour, was banned for one match for throwing a bottle into the crowd.

Shoaib was dropped from the team after a poor World Cup, and was brought back for the triangular series in Sri Lanka only after being warned by Tauqir Zia, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Zia made it clear that Shoaib's behaviour would be scrutinised closely and any further misdemeanors would jeopardise his career.

[zoia]

wat a load of crap he only got that coz a aussie was on the commitee

[Nova Kaine]

If he tampers with the ball, no matter what he should be banned, hopefully this is the start for others that do this to find their way to being banned for matches and fined.