What is ball tampering in cricket?

In a simple language ball tampering means altering the condition of the ball. The prime motive of this act is to interfere with the aerodynamicsof the ball.

UnderLaw 41, subsection 3 of theLaws of Cricket, the ball may be polished without the use of an artificial substance, may be dried with a towel if it is wet, and have mud removed from it under supervision.

All other actions which alter the condition of the ball are illegal. These are usually taken to include rubbing the ball on the ground, scuffing with a fingernail or other sharp object, or tampering with theseam of the ball.

The purpose of altering the state of the ball is to achieve more favorable bowling conditions for bowlers. However, rubbing spit and sweat on a ball while bowling to the batsman is legal. The moisture gained from spit or sweat when combined with polishing, smoothens out one half of the ball which in turn allows air to pass over one side of the ball more quickly than over the other.

When bowled correctly, a bowler can get the ball to move from one side to the other through the air. Also, it is common for bowlers to rub the ball against their clothing to dry or polish it, as seen in most cricket matches.

In the sport of cricket, ball tampering is an action in which a fielder illegally alters the condition of the ball.

A cricket ball is made of cork, rubber and string. The latter provides the "teeth" that allow the ball to grip the cricket pitch and make it possible for spinners to extract drastic turn from the surface of this item. So when a bowler (pitching) tries to apply more than just natural wear-and-tear by tampering with one side of this object, he is said to be ball tampering. Most bowlers do at one point or another, it’s just incredibly hard to get away with for more than a few overs especially nowadays when technology and observant opponents are so keen on bringing this form of cheating into daylight.