Cricket Scandals: When Sachin Tendulkar Faced Ball-Tampering Allegations in 2001

Among all these scandals that have taken place, one of them that shook the Indian cricket and emotionally damaged the fans was the 2001 ball tampering scandal, which took place in a Test series against South Africa. This incident is also known as the Mike Denness Affair, and it revolved around the accusations by Denness over Sachin Tendulkar for ball tampering.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 2001 ball tampering scandal, which also developed some tensions between the ICC and BCCI.

Background: India’s Tour of South Africa, 2001

South Africa and India were among the two top teams during 2001, as both teams were filled with legendary stars of all time. During this period, India went to South Africa for a three-match Test series. This tour held good value for the Indian team, which had players such as Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and many more under the same line-up.

The first match of the series was being played in Bloemfontein, and South Africa was able to come out on top against India. Although the Indian batsmen were able to dominate the game, with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag scoring centuries, the lack of consistent scores by other players and bowlers not taking wickets in time remained a problem. Thus, India started the series with a 9-wicket loss.

Following the loss in the first Test, India went prepared for the second Test prepared, ready to go against all the challenges that would be put by the Proteas. However, they were not aware that it was not only the Proteas challenge, but another challenge waiting for them in that game. And that challenge was imposed by the match referee, Mike Denness.

The Allegations at Port Elizabeth

The second match between India and South Africa, which was also important for the Indian team if they had to remain in competition for the series, was being played at Port Elizabeth. It was just like a normal Test match, but the match referee, Mike Denness, seemed a bit biased during the game. Since the referee takes a look at the game to ensure it takes place according to the ICC standards, he took some actions that weren’t in India’s favour.

During the match, when South Africa was batting, the TV cameras went to Sachin Tendulkar, who was given the ball as the main bowlers failed to take wickets. In the cameras, Tendulkar was caught cleaning the seam of the same with his fingers. When it was also shown on live television, cricket fans thought that it was normal for the bowlers to clean the ball before they went for a delivery.

But Mike Denness had some other plans. He interpreted this action of Sachin Tendulkar to clean the ball seam with his fingers as an act of ball tampering. It should be noted that it was not just Sachin Tendulkar who fell prey to Mike Denness’ decisions, as a total of six Indian players during the match were affected due to the same.

• Sachin Tendulkar was given a one-match suspension by Denness, as he did not inform the umpire before cleaning the ball;
• Sourav Ganguly, who was the team’s captain, also received a Test and two-ODI match suspension, with the referee citing that he was not able to control the team;
• Four other players, including Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Shiv Sunder Das, and Deep Dasgupta, were also suspended for one game for excessive appealing.

Mike Denness announced the suspension of six Indian players during the press conference, which made them unavailable for the final Test of the series.

Indian Reaction: Outrage and Shock

When the news of Sachin Tendulkar being accused of ball tampering broke out in India, the fans and the BCCI reacted fiercely to the same. Tendulkar has always been known as a calm player both on and off the field, and it is rare for someone to spot him doing actions that go against the dignity of the game. With Tendulkar being accused of cheating in a Test match, it was similar to unthinkable.

Even in the post-match interview, Mike Denness was not able to explain to the media why he had suspended six Indian players, including Tendulkar, for the third Test. Responding to this, the BCCI said that the incident had “maligned the image of India’s greatest cricketing icon without sufficient evidence.”

The Indian fans who were at the stadium went to protest the decisions taken by the match referee, Mike Denness. They also burned his statue or models, and flooded the media outlets with angry letters and phone calls. At this moment, the Indian press also joined in support, saying that the ICC is being racist against the Asian teams.

The ICC Standoff

The controversy, which started with Mike Denness against the Indian cricket team, quickly proceeded to escalated further. It reached the ICC, as the BCCI talked to them to replace Mike Denness as the match referee for the third Test of the series. Responding to the same, the ICC said that match referees will not be changed as they are appointed by the governing body.

At this point, the South African cricket team also took India’s side, as both teams decided to proceed to the third Test with a different match referee. But ICC could not stand this decision, as they retaliated by announcing the third Test as an unofficial Test. The Test match between India and South Africa was played, but it was not an official Test.

It surely was an awkward moment in the history of cricket, as two full member nations of the ICC, India and South Africa, played a Test match which was not official.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Defense

Sachin Tendulkar, who was accused by Mike Denness of ball tampering, came up to the media, answering the allegations which have been put up against him. During his suspension period, Sachin Tendulkar explained that he was removing dirt from the seam of the ball to ensure that the movement wouldn’t be unfair. He also said that since there were no artificial objects used to clean the ball, it doesn’t go against the ball tampering Laws.

Ravi Shastri, who was a commentator in this match, came in Tendulkar’s favour, saying, “If Mike Denness cannot answer questions, why is he here? We know what he looks like.” Following this revelation, several renowned Indian players came out in favour of Tendulkar. Even a South African commentator said that the decisions taken by Mike Denness were harsh.

On the other hand, some fans even defended the actions taken by Mike Denness, saying that it showcases his seriousness for the game. For the Indian fans, it was not just some allegations; it was a matter of pride as the allegations were against Sachin Tendulkar, who was a national hero at that time.

Media Coverage and Global Reactions

The ball tampering scandal, which took place between India and South Africa, quickly spread to become international news. In India, the media outlets defended Indian players, especially Sachin Tendulkar, saying that it is next to impossible for a player like him to go against the rules and regulations of the game.

But on the other hand, the English and Australian media took the stand of ICC and Mike Denness, saying that they were just doing their job to keep the game fair and disciplined. Various former cricketers from around the world said that the punishment given by Denness was not appropriate, especially against someone like Tendulkar, who always remained fair in the game.

With this incident, a divide was created, which highlighted a tension in cricket, the perception that the ICC was majorly dominated by England and Australia, and had been unfairly treating the Asian teams.

Aftermath and Consequences

The incident of Mike Denness had some long-term effects not only on Indian cricket but also on international cricket. The relations between ICC and BCCI were strained, as BCCI was unwilling to accept the allegations imposed by Mike Denness. They rather saw this incident as a dominance of Western teams in the ICC.

With this controversy, even the ICC was forced to take a look at the powers that a match referee imposes. They went on to decide how much power they should have and whether the decisions taken by them should be appealed or not. On the other hand, even after this incident, Sachin Tendulkar’s global reputation remained as it was previously. However, it also helped him to gain more attention, being the victim of wrong decisions taken by the ICC and Mike Denness.