What is ball tampering, and can players use saliva on the ball?
A · Advanced · What is unfair play, and what happens? · 7 of 20No player may change the condition of the ball. Fielders may polish it on their clothing using sweat only, with no other substance, and may clean off mud or dry it with an approved cloth under the umpires' eye. Anything else, saliva included, is tampering: the ball can be changed and the other side gets 5 penalty runs.
How it works
- Umpires inspect the ball often and at irregular times, and at once if they suspect tampering.
- Batters may not damage the ball on purpose, beyond hitting it with the bat.
- Under the Laws: the other captain chooses whether the ball is replaced (with one of similar wear), and 5 runs are awarded. A second offence by the fielding side also removes the bowler of the previous ball for the rest of the match.
- In ICC internationals, if the player responsible is identified: the ball is changed at once, 5 runs are awarded and the matter goes to the Match Referee. If the fielding side tampered, the batter chooses the replacement from six balls of different wear, including a new one.
- If no one can be identified: the ball is changed and the captain gets a first and final warning for the series.
- Saliva, in ICC internationals: 5 runs and the ball is replaced, unless the umpires think saliva was used on purpose to get the ball changed.
Tricky cases
Can bowlers shine the ball with saliva?
No. Sweat is the only natural substance allowed, under the Laws and in ICC internationals.
Can a fielder clean mud off the ball?
Yes, under an umpire's supervision.
Who chooses the new ball after tampering?
Under the Laws, the umpires pick one of similar wear if the other captain asks for a change. In ICC internationals, when the fielding side tampered, the batter chooses from six balls of varying wear.
Is it tampering if the ball gets scuffed by hitting the stands?
No. Wear from normal use is not tampering. A ball that becomes unfit through normal use is replaced.
Why the rule exists
The ball's condition decides how much it swings or spins. Changing it artificially gives the bowlers an advantage the batters cannot see coming.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | Replacement at the opposing captain's choice; 5 runs; a second fielding offence removes the bowler for the match | L41.3.4, 41.3.5 |
| ICC men's internationals | Ball changed at once; batter chooses from six if the fielding side tampered; report to the Match Referee; unidentified culprit: captain warned for the series | PC-T 41.3.4 to 41.3.6 |
| ICC men's internationals | Saliva: 5 runs and replacement | PC-T 41.3.7 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 41.3 and 5.5, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 41.3, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).