Bangladesh's National Cricket League marred by ball-tampering allegations
What's the story
Bangladesh's first-ever National Cricket League (NCL) Second XI tournament has been marred by serious ball-tampering allegations. The claims emerged after the final match, which saw Dhaka Division Second XI beat Khulna Division Second XI by an innings and 35 runs. However, the integrity of the competition is now under question as players are allegedly using Vaseline to alter the condition of the ball.
Tampering technique
Players allegedly using Vaseline to alter ball's condition
An official from the Dhaka Division Second XI team alleged that players were using Vaseline to change the ball's condition.
"Yes yes. The players do it (use Vaseline to tamper the ball)," he told Cricbuzz on condition of anonymity.
He explained that applying Vaseline makes the ball heavier and helps generate reverse swing, making it harder for batsmen to play their shots effectively.
Detection challenge
Khulna team specifically named in the allegations
The official further said that even though this practice is well-known, it is still hard to pinpoint the culprits.
He suggested that cameras would have to be installed on every player to catch them red-handed.
The Khulna team was specifically named as they were allegedly applying Vaseline in their hair and then rubbing it on the ball while using it in their hands.
Complaint status
No formal complaint received by BCB
Despite the allegations, Cricbuzz understands that the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) umpires' committee hasn't received any formal complaint about the alleged Vaseline ball tampering.
However, several people close to NCL have claimed that umpires have ignored this practice even when teams verbally brought it up.
This has led to an increase in the use of Vaseline for ball tampering in Bangladesh's domestic cricket scene.