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Players' union calls for reform of 'chaotic' global cricket calendar

27 Mar 25

Sylhet Sunrisers captain Ravi Bopara was fined for tampering the ball during a BPL match against Khulna Tigers. However, the all-rounder denied the accusation and explained that he was trying to find the right grip to bowl a ‘knuckle ball’.

The English cricketer also said that he was misjudged by everyone.  Explaining the situation at a press conference after the match against Comilla Victorians, Bopara said, "I bowl a knuckle ball where I run in hiding the ball.  Sometimes I run in holding it like this and that (displays his grips).

“It is not easy to get this grip, especially with the wet ball. You have to find the best part of the ball to put it. Otherwise, if the ball is wet, it can fly and you can bowl no-balls [for height]. I think there was a mistake there. It is disappointing but this is life," said Bopara.

Bopara has been fined 75% of his match fee for a Code of Conduct breach. The incident happened during Sylhet's game against Khulna Tigers on February 7 as Bopara was seen tampering with the ball with his fingernails during the ninth over of the first innings and the act was broadcast on TV.

Match referee Debabrata Paul punished him by banning him for three matches. However, Bopara had appealed against the sentence. The BPL technical committee reduced his penalty to 75 per cent of the match fee and three demerit points.

Earlier, in the middle of the tournament, another franchise Chittagong Challengers were involved in controversy by changing the captain twice.