Cricket Ball Scandal
In 2000 a large order of Cricket Ball arrived in the Lord’s Shop from Pakistan. The Balls displayed a Father Time motif, the name of LORD’s and a picture of the Pavilion with a description of the Ball as “The Marylebone”. Also inscribed in gold lettering was the wording “Official Lord’s Ball Conforming to MCC Regulations. Made in England”.
Detailed investigations were carried out in conjunction with Westminster Council as it was discovered the Balls were made in Pakistan and a fraudulent VAT claim had been submitted by the MCC to HM Customs and Revenue.