5 times when cricketers were penalised for ball tampering

#2 Michael Atherton

Atherton was reprimanded for bringing disgrace to the sport

In a 1994 test match against South Africa, English captain Michael Atherton was charged with tampering with the physical condition of the ball after television cameras caught the skipper rubbing a substance on the ball.

In what became famous as the 'dirt in pocket' affair, Atherton was accused of pulling dirt substances out of his pocket and rubbing it on the ball. The incident was a disgrace to the national sport of England and more so because it occurred at the Mecca of Cricket - Lord's Stadium.

The man in question Atherton defended himself by saying that the dirt in his pocket was used for drying his hands and not ball tampering but the match referee accused him with the offence and he was charged a penalty of £2000.