Ball-tampering rampant in IPL, says Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has alleged a few players in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) are involved in ball tampering, saying that the practice is rampant in venues like Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad where red soil is used.

Akram, the bowling consultant of the Kolkata Knight Riders, said the players are trying to discolour the ball in the later stages of an innings, making it difficult for the batsman to spot it. “I won’t name anyone but I have seen quite a few cricketers who have been rubbing mud on the ball and that is also tampering,” Akram was quoted as saying by espnstar.com. “If umpires are not watching then I don’t know who is! In this IPL, umpires should look for players who are putting mud on the ball because you can’t alter the state of the ball with anything.

“Around the 18th, 19th over in places like Rajasthan, Mumbai or Ahmedabad where there is red soil, it is difficult to see the ball under lights and by putting the mud on the ball these players are trying to contain the batsmen or get wickets,” said Akram, the only Pakistani to be involved in the IPL this year. Akram asserted that the rule book is clear on this issue, suggesting that “if you are trying to change the condition of the ball, then it is ball tampering.”

He, however, denied that rubbing the ball in the mud helps in reverse swinging the ball. While spinners are often seeing rubbing their hand in the mud before bowling a delivery, Akram said it was a completely different issue. “That is just to get some grip on the ball but here someone is just going berserk rubbing the mud on the ball,” he pointed out.

Akram also said that a youngster should play 10-15 first class games at least, before playing in the IPL. “I think the attitude has changed big time. These days youngsters, especially in India, only want to play in IPL and not for India. I think that should change. Yes, the IPL is there but the priority should be playing for the country,” said Akram.

One of the legends of the game, Akram had a few soothing words for Yuvraj Singh. “Someone should put an arm around him (Yuvraj) and ask what does he have on his mind, what does he want. You can’t just have Yuvraj sitting on the side and not asking him anything. He was the captain of the team for last two years and suddenly he is not even in the selection committee, I am sure it would be a downer for him but anyone. I think that is where a coach has a role, he should chat with Yuvraj,” said he.

Akram also said that KKR medium pacer Jaydev Unadkat is the one to watch out for in the future. “He is lean like I was when I was 17-18, he can swing the ball both ways and he is hard working. I think we will hear about him in about a couple of years,” Akram said.

He also had his views ready on the IPL post-match parties. “I don’t know about the youngsters but I have attended two and I am tired already, it can take a toll on you. But then it is a part and parcel of the IPL, for just a month and a half. At the end of the day it is a matter of choice whether you want to go or not. If I was 22-23 I would be at every party, every night,” laughed Akram.