Former Pakistan pacer Shabbir Ahmed alleges ball tampering by India in Oval Test

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has accused India of ball tampering during the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval.

The dramatic match saw India clinch a nail-biting six-run victory, levelling the five-match series 2–2.

Taking to social media platform X, Ahmed questioned the condition of the ball used by India on Days 4 and 5, urging International Cricket Council (ICC) officials to send it for forensic examination. “I think India used Vaseline. After 80+ overs, the ball still shone like new. Umpires should send it to a lab for testing,” he wrote, implying foul play.

The final day of the Test saw England looking set to pull off a record chase of 374, with Joe Root and Harry Brook guiding the hosts to 301/3. However, a stunning collapse triggered by Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna turned the tide, with England eventually bowled out for 367.

The pitch at The Oval was regarded as the most balanced of the series, providing an even contest between bat and ball.

Despite being eligible to take the new ball after the 80th over, India opted to continue with the old one due to the swing it continued to produce — a move that proved decisive in the closing stages.

While no official complaint has been lodged, Ahmed’s comments have sparked debate online, though neither the ICC nor the match officials have responded publicly to his claims.