Pakistan Shaheens ‘penalised for ball tampering’

Pakistan Shaheens were penalized with five runs for ball tampering in the final one-day international (ODI) of the six-match series against Zimbabwe Select in Harare, according to Wisden.

Zimbabwe Select emerged victorious in the six-match ODI series, winning 4-2 against Pakistan Shaheens. The Shaheens fell short by 32 runs and were all out for 353 in 49.2 overs.

Umpire Iknow Chabi, who has officiated in over 50 international games across formats, awarded Zimbabwe Select five penalty runs due to ball tampering by the Shaheens, also known as Pakistan A.

The exact individual responsible for the tampering and the method used to tamper with the ball were not specified in the report.

According to the rules, if an umpire believes that the ball’s condition has been unfairly altered, they can allow the batting side the option of replacing the ball. Regardless of whether a replacement ball is chosen or not, five penalty runs are awarded to the opposing team, as stated in Law 41.3 of the Laws of Cricket.

“Irrespective of what the ball is replaced or not, they have to award five penalty runs to the opposing side,” Wisden explained.

Clause 41.3.4.2 of the law specifically states, “Regardless of whether a replacement ball has been chosen to be used, the bowler’s end umpire shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.”