Cricket is often regarded as a gentleman’s game, where players are expected to uphold the spirit of the sport and adhere to its rules. Unfortunately, some cricketers have failed to conduct themselves appropriately, tarnishing the game’s reputation with their on-field and off-field behavior.
5. Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif
The 2010 spot-fixing scandal sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Three members of the Pakistan cricket team were found guilty of accepting bribes from bookmaker Mazhar Majeed to intentionally underperform during a Test match against England at Lord’s. Established players Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, along with newcomer Mohammad Amir, were implicated in the scandal.
Despite their claims of innocence, substantial evidence was presented against them. All four received prison sentences: Butt was sentenced to 30 months, Asif to 12 months, Amir to 6 months, and Majeed received a 32-month sentence.
4. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is regarded as one of India’s top leg-spinners, boasting a wealth of experience. The 35-year-old has taken 76 wickets in 22 Test matches and 64 wickets in 36 ODIs. Additionally, he has claimed over 100 wickets in the IPL and more than 500 in first-class cricket.
In 2015, Mishra faced legal troubles when a female friend accused him of physical assault, alleging he threw a bottle at her. He was interrogated at the Ashok Nagar Police Station but was released on bail just a few hours after his arrest.
3. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chawan
Sreesanth was regarded as one of India’s most promising swing bowlers and was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. However, his career took a drastic turn when he was arrested along with his Rajasthan Royals teammates, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, by Delhi Police for spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League.
The players were detained immediately after returning to their team hotel following a match against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. They faced charges under sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, the BCCI imposed life bans on them.
2. Makhaya Ntini
Former South African pacer Makhaya Ntini faced serious allegations in December 1998 when he was arrested for the alleged rape of a 21-year-old student at the Buffalo Park Cricket Ground. This incident jeopardized his career, with the possibility of a six-year ban looming. Consequently, he was removed from the 1999 World Cup squad. However, Ntini successfully appealed his conviction in November 1999, avoiding a jail sentence. Throughout his career, he played 101 Test matches for South Africa, taking 309 wickets, and was renowned for his pace and bowling ability.
1. Ben Stokes
This incident is both recent and well-known. Ben Stokes was involved in a physical altercation with a man outside a pub in Bristol, leaving the individual severely bruised, for which Stokes was charged. This occurred just days before the selection of the Ashes 2017-18 squad. He was not included in the squad and was suspended by the ECB pending further investigation.
At that time, Stokes was at the peak of his career and served as England’s vice-captain in Tests, consistently scoring runs worldwide. His absence from the Ashes had a significant impact on the team. Stokes had to navigate legal proceedings before being cleared. Although he eventually made a return to international cricket, he is still working hard to regain his best form.