Pakistan refused to play a Test match against England following allegations of ball tampering. This was a truly shocking incident. So let's find out what the whole matter is.
Pakistan ball tampering allegations
The Pakistan cricket team is currently touring England for a three-match Test series. The first match begins on August 19th at Headingley in Leeds. Meanwhile, a story emerged regarding Pakistan's refusal to play the Test match against England following allegations of ball tampering. Let's find out what the full story is.
This incident occurred 20 years ago on this day (August 20), in 2006. The fourth Test between England and Pakistan began at the Oval on August 17. Batting first, England were bowled out for 173. Pakistan then scored 504 for 10 in their first innings.
The umpire decided to change the ball.
On the fourth day, hosts England were on the field for their second innings. The course of the game changed when the umpires decided to change the ball at the end of the 56th over. England were at 230 for 3. Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul's balls were reversing. Fourth umpire Trevor Jesty came onto the field with a new box of balls. The England batsmen were allowed to choose from this box.
Due to poor lighting, the break was called before the scheduled time, and the players left the field. The Pakistan team was hurt by allegations of ball tampering. The team wanted to protest the umpires' decisions, so they planned to take the field a little late. The umpires arrived on the field, but the Pakistani players did not.
Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq came to the balcony. After this, the umpires returned to the field once again. This time, they were accompanied by England's Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell. The Pakistani team remained in the dressing room. The umpires removed the bails from the stumps and left.
Pakistan team came on the field; the umpires did not come.
Inzamam then returned to the field with his team. He stood there for a while, realizing that the umpires might not be coming. Around 6 p.m., both teams were informed that the day's play had been cancelled.
After this, the match was awarded to England on the fifth day, meaning the hosts were declared winners. Thus, a decision by Pakistan snatched the match from them. This match has become one of cricket's most shameful moments.
