Biggest Cheating Moments in Cricket History Ever

Cricket, like any other sport, has witnessed its fair share of controversies and cheating incidents throughout its history. From subtle tactics to blatant transgressions, there have been several instances that have tarnished the spirit of fair play in the game. Here, we recount some of the biggest cheating moments in cricket history:

Bodyline Series (1932-33): During the Ashes series between Australia and England, the English team employed a controversial tactic known as "bodyline" bowling. The tactic involved bowling deliveries at the batsmen's bodies, aiming to exploit the leg-side fielders. This aggressive and dangerous strategy caused outrage, and the cricketing world condemned it as unsportsmanlike conduct.

Underarm Bowling Incident (1981): In a One Day International (ODI) match between Australia and New Zealand, the Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl the final delivery of the match underarm. This bowling method made it nearly impossible for the batsman to hit a six, ensuring Australia's victory. The incident sparked outrage and led to a rule change that banned underarm bowling in limited-overs cricket.

Ball-Tampering Scandal (2018): In a Test match between Australia and South Africa, the Australian team was caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper. The team's leadership, including captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, were involved in the plot to alter the condition of the ball, which is against the laws of the game. The incident led to significant repercussions, including lengthy suspensions for the players involved and a public backlash against the team.

Spot-Fixing Scandal (2010): The spot-fixing scandal during the Pakistan tour of England in 2010 shook the cricketing world. Pakistani players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls at pre-determined moments in the game in exchange for money from bookmakers. The scandal led to lengthy bans and tarnished the reputation of the players involved.

Mankading Incident (2019): In an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, Kings XI Punjab's captain Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed batsman Jos Buttler by running him out at the non-striker's end before delivering the ball (known as Mankading). Although Mankading is within the laws of the game, the incident sparked heated debates about the spirit of cricket and fair play.