Famous Cricketers Who Went To Jail , often dubbed the “gentleman’s game,” has seen its fair share of controversies and legal entanglements involving some of its most celebrated players. Despite the adoration and admiration from millions of fans worldwide, a few cricketers have found themselves entangled in legal issues that tarnished their once-glorious careers. From assault allegations to spot-fixing scandals, these players’ journeys took an unexpected turn as they faced the harsh realities of the legal system.
In this article, we delve into the lives of ten cricketers who experienced encounters with the law, detailing the incidents that led to their arrests and the aftermath of their legal battles. As the cricketing world stood in disbelief, these individuals found themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, bringing disgrace to their illustrious careers and leaving a lasting impact on their reputation and legacy. Let’s explore the stories behind these fallen stars and the events that forever changed their lives both on and off the cricket field.
1. Imran Khan:
Former cricketer and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, was arrested in a case related to profiting from selling expensive state gifts during his time in power. He was sentenced to three years in prison and barred from participating in active politics for five years. Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested from his residence in Lahore and later sent to Islamabad. He maintains that peaceful protest is every Pakistani’s constitutional right.
2. Suresh Raina:
Indian batsman Suresh Raina was arrested in Mumbai in 2020 for breaking Covid-19 protocols. He was found partying at a club with singer Guru Randhawa when Covid-19 restrictions were in place. Raina was among the 34 people arrested during the raid.
3. Sreesanth:
Indian pace bowler Sreesanth was arrested in 2013 for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing during the Indian Premier League (IPL). He spent a month in Tihar jail before being released due to lack of evidence. Sreesanth fought against the charges, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintained a zero-tolerance policy on such issues.
4. Vinod Kambli:
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli was arrested in 2015 along with his wife for allegedly assaulting their maid. The maid lodged a complaint stating that Kambli and his wife abused her and locked her in a room when she asked for her salary. Kambli denied the allegations, claiming she lacked proper identity proof.
5. Makhaya Ntini:
South African pace bowler Makhaya Ntini was arrested in 1998 on sexual assault charges. He was accused of raping a woman from East London, but the court could not prove him guilty, and he was released after a short period in jail. Ntini had a successful cricket career, taking 309 wickets in Tests and 266 in ODIs.
