In the game of cricket, every player is required to give his 100% on the field to win a game. Honesty and sportsman spirit are absolutely essential, even if the players are under stress and their durability is tested. However, there have been certain instances when the cricketers resorted to cheating during the live game in order to benefit their side. With advancement in technology, each and every on-field action can now be monitored and the unfair play can be called out.
Here we list 5 renowned cricketers who cheated on the field during a match while their actions got captured on the camera.
- Ricky Ponting – 2007-08, India’s tour to Australia
One of the most successful Australian captains who won two consecutive World Cups for his team, Ricky Ponting established himself as a classic cricketer of his era. However, he was once criticised for foul play against India during the 2007-08 India’s tour to Australia.
In the second innings of the 2nd test, Sourav Ganguly had hit Brett Lee’s delivery towards the slips. Michael Clarke took a dive to catch the ball and the Aussies immediately started celebrating. However, the umpires were uncertain about the catch. Instead of going to the third umpire, on-field umpire Mark Benson consulted Ponting who in return confirmed the ball being caught and so was the final decision ruled against Ganguly. Ganguly got dismissed on 51 but later the replays showed that the ball actually touched the ground before Clarke caught hold of it.
2. Michael Clark – 2007-08, India’s tour to Australia
In the same game mentioned above, Michael Clarke was seen cheating when he came to bat during the second innings. Australia were leading by 181 runs and Clarke came into bat at number 5 after Mathew Hayden got dismissed by skipper Anil Kumble. In the very next delivery, Clarke tried to play a cut shot but the ball hit the edge of his bat and went straight to Rahul Dravid who was fielding at the slips. The noise of ball hitting the bat’s edge was clearly audible but Clarke refused to leave the field after the catch. However, the umpire declared him out and he was dismissed for a golden duck.
3. Shahid Afridi eating the ball!
In January 2010, Shahid Afridi had to face a ban for two T20Is after he was found tampering the ball with his teeth with the entire action captured on camera. The former Pakistani skipper was charged with an article 2.2.9 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket”. Afridi was called to a hearing with the match referee Ranjan Madugalle immediately after the match. Madugalle said Afridi pleaded guilty to the charge, apologised and regretted his action.
4. Ahmed Shehzad’s elbow catch
This incident happened in July 2015 when Pakistan toured Sri Lanka to play a bilateral series. During the 4th ODI, Ahmed Shehzad dived to take Lahiru Thirimanne’s catch at the deep square leg region in the 40th over and held the ball in his arm. The Pakistani players erupted into a celebration, however, after going through the replay, it was learned that the ball was dropped before it got stuck between his biceps and arm.
5. AB de Villiers against India
AB de Villiers, who is admired for defying the bowlers, was once seen cheating on the field in an ODI game against India. AB had clearly nicked a ball from Zaheer Khan, which was superbly caught by Sachin Tendulkar in the slip area. But the umpire, Aleem Dar, wasn’t convinced. Even though Sourav Ganguly called out to the umpire and the latter didn’t declare de Villiers as out. Shockingly, AB himself didn’t back off and remained at the crease.
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