November 14 Thursday 2002
Shoaib discliplined for ball-tampering

HARARE: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been disciplined for tampering with the ball during the second Zimbabwe innings of the first Test in Harare.

The Test ended Tuesday with Pakistan winning by 119 runs. Match referee Clive Lloyd said the bowler -- regarded as the fastest in cricket -- had been found guilty of breaking the International Cricket Conference code of conduct 'level two' in changing the general condition of the ball.

"This is not considered a major ball-tampering incident. Just before and just after the lunch interval on Tuesday umpire David Orchard was seen examining the ball, which was scuffed on one side but shiny on the other. However, there appeared to be no damage to the seam," Lloyd said.

He said the two umpires, Orchard and Srinivas Venkat, Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan manager Brig. Khawaja Nasir and captain Waqar Younis attended a disciplinary hearing after the close of play.

It was later announced that Akhtar was severely reprimanded but no further action will be taken. This means he will be able to play in the second Test, which begins on Saturday, and in the five One-day Internationals that follow. He will also not lose any of his match fee. Manager Brig. Nasir was not available for comment.

Shoaib has been recorded delivering the ball at 156 kilometers per hour (98 mph). It was noted that after about 30 overs of the Zimbabwe innings he was getting considerable 'reverse swing' on the ball, but this is often the case with a wearing ball.