Pakistan Shaheens slapped with 5-run fine over 'ball tampering'

Wisden reported Sunday that Pakistan Shaheens were penalised with five runs for ball tampering in the final one-day international (ODI) of the six-match series against Zimbabwe Select in Harare.

Zimbabwe Select won the six-match ODI series 4-2 against Pakistan Shaheens. The Shaheens fell 32 runs short and were all out on 353 in 49.2 overs.

Umpire Iknow Chabi, having the experience to officiate over 50 international games across formats, awarded the home side five penalty runs on account of ball tampering by Shaheens, also known as Pakistan A.

The publication reported that it wasn't clear who the person was behind the tampering and how had the ball been tampered with.

The rules, however, state that if an umpire believes that the ball's condition has been unfairly changed, they can grant the option of replacing the ball to the batting side.

"Irrespective of what the ball is replaced or not, they have to award five penalty runs to the opposing side," Wisden said.

Law 41.3 of the Laws of Cricket deals with changing the conditions of the match ball. Clause 41.3.4.2 states: “Regardless of whether a replacement ball has been chosen to be used, the bowler’s end umpire shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.”