Ball tampering could become legal

Ball tampering could be allowed by the International Cricket Council as a way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in cricket.

The ICC is considering the use of ‘‘artificial substances’’ to shine cricket balls instead of players using sweat or saliva.

Current cricket laws state ‘‘no artificial substance’’ may be used to polish amatch ball.

When substances other than sweat or saliva are used – like sandpaper – it’s referred to as ball-tampering.

Pace bowlers in particular use sweat or saliva to shine one side of the ball, allowing the ball to swing through the air.

But cricket’s governing body is looking to change the law to allow players to use other methods to shine the ball until the pandemic is curbed.

Espncricinfo reported the ICC may allow the use of other substances in the long-form game under umpires’ supervision.

The head of the ICC’S medical committee Dr Peter Harcourt told Espncricinfo work is under way to protect players during Covid-19.

‘‘The situation is rapidly evolving and full of significant risk as there is still a lot to learn about Covid-19 which can make decision making difficult,’’ he said.

‘‘The ICC Medical Committee is working withmember medical representatives to build a comprehensive picture of the issues cricket is facing.’’

But there maybe no cricket for some time as discussions continue about future tours, including the likelihood of the T20

World Cup in Australia going ahead in October.

Australia has cancelled its planned tour to Bangladesh in June, with the tour to England also looking in doubt. Decisions are also yet to be made regarding India’s tour of Australia in December, which would bring in a significant financial windfall for Cricket Australia.

Last week New Zealand Cricket confirmed its proposed tour to the Netherlands has been cancelled, with tours to the UK and the West Indies also looking unlikely.