The cricket world is buzzing over the controversy around India’s Vaseline ball tampering at The Oval Test. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed recently accused Team India of using Vaseline to tamper with the ball on Day 5 of the fifth Test match against England. He raised doubts about the ball’s condition, especially after India’s dramatic six-run victory that helped them level the series 2-2.
Shabbir Ahmed didn’t hold back. He posted on social media, saying the ball looked too shiny even after 80 overs. He claimed India might have applied Vaseline to keep the ball swinging. Moreover, he urged the umpires to send the ball to a lab for testing. Shabbir stepped in and on X and wrote: “I think India used Vaseline. After 80+ over, Ball still shines like new. The umpire should send this ball to lab for examine.” Naturally, his comments sparked a major reaction online.
India started Day 5 under pressure. England needed just 35 runs with 4 wickets in hand. However, it was Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna who flipped the match on its head. They bowled with pace and accuracy, picking up the last four wickets for just 28 runs. As a result, India clinched a thrilling win at The Oval.
Siraj played a key role. He took nine wickets in the match and led India’s fightback. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna supported him by striking at the right moments. Their efforts with the ball made the difference. Even though India was busy celebrating their win, Shabbir Ahmed’s claim about Vaseline seemed to divert attention away from the moment. But fans didn’t stay silent.
Fans immediately responded to Shabbir’s comments. Many mocked the allegation and shared memes. Some cricket lovers even brought up Shabbir Ahmed’s past, reminding everyone that he once faced a ban for a suspect bowling action.
In addition, people compared this to other ball-tampering cases, like when Shahid Afridi bit the ball or when Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper. However, this time, no official raised concerns during the match, and no one from the ICC made a statement.
In cricket, players can only use sweat to shine the ball. Using things like Vaseline, sunscreen, or even saliva is against the rules. These practices are classified as ball tampering and can result in serious consequences, including being banned from matches.
However, in this case, there is no proof that India tampered with the ball. Umpires didn’t stop play, and the match referee didn’t raise any issues. Therefore, Shabbir’s claim appears to be based on suspicion alone.
To sum up, the allegation of India’s Vaseline ball tampering at the Oval Test lacks evidence. India’s bowlers, especially Siraj and Krishna, delivered a brilliant performance under pressure. Although Shabbir Ahmed made a bold accusation, fans and experts rejected the claim due to the lack of proof. Until clear evidence comes forward, this looks like another cricket controversy with no result. Right now, India’s incredible victory truly deserves all the attention.
