11 cricketers who were caught in controversy in 2018

There have been a plethora of controversies involving cricket, and for a game which garners plenty of attention and money, it is likely to have its fair share of controversies. The year 2018 has been one of the most notorious years in the world of cricket. Controversies kept popping up one after the other this year.

In this article, we are going to talk about the top 11 cricketers who were involved in controversies both on and off the field in 2018.

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#1 Sandpaper Gate - Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and Steve Smith - Australia

The Australian top-order trio, Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft got caught in one of the most shocking scandals of all time in 2018 which rocked the entire cricketing world.

The incident happened in March during Australia's third Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Capetown. Bancroft was caught on camera while altering the condition of the ball with the help of a sandpaper.

When confronted by the umpires, Bancroft denied using any external object to tamper the ball. However, the TV replays showed otherwise.

During the conference, post the day's play, both Bancroft and the captain of the Australian Cricket team, Steven Smith, confessed that it was a planned attempt by the "leadership group" to tamper the condition of the ball to get more reverse swing. The leadership team included the Australian vice-captain, David Warner.

It created a furore across the cricketing world and the trio was banned by the Cricket Australia. While Bancroft was banned for nine months, Smith and Warner were banned for one year. The controversy did not stop with just players; Lehmann, the coach of the Australian Team, also resigned post the controversy.

The #SandpaperGate tweet was trending worldwide and it was considered as one of the darkest phases of the Australian Cricket history.

#4 Sabbir Rahman - Bangladesh

Sania Mirza subjected to eve-teasing by Sabbir Rahman claims Shoaib Malik

Bangladesh's Sabbir Rahman found himself with multiple controversies in 2018. On September 01, 2018, he was banned by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a period of six months for his repeated off-field issues like altercations with fans and issues with teammates.

The Pakistan cricket veteran, Shoaib Malik, had claimed that Sabbir Rahman eve-teased Sania Mirza which did not go well the board and the fans. The Bangladeshi middle-order batsman has been warned by BCB of a lengthy ban if his misdemeanours continue.

#5 Dinesh Chandimal - Sri Lanka

Chandimal was charged by ICC for altering the condition of the ball

On June 16, 2018, the Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal was found involved in a ball-tampering controversy when they played against West Indies.

The on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould changed the ball after finding that the ball condition was tampered by Dinesh Chandimal. The decision didn't go well with the Sri Lankan skipper as he remained in the dugout along with his team delaying the start of the game for almost a session.

He was found guilty and was banned for the second and third Test against West Indies.

#6 Quinton de Kock - South Africa

Australia's first Test win vs South Africa was marred by De Kock - Warner controversy

De Kock was involved in an ugly altercation with David Warner during the third day tea time of the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Durban.

The South African wicket-keeper is alleged to have made derogatory remarks about the Australian's wife during the spat. The CCTV footage showed the intensity of the altercation and the ICC, rightly, have given demerit points to both Warner and De Kock.

#7 Shakib Al Hasan - Bangladesh

Shakib exhibited outrageous behaviour during a T20 match in Nidhahas Trophy

Shakib Al Hasan was involved in a heated discussion with umpires during Bangladesh's T20 match against Sri Lanka at Nidhahas trophy. Shakib, the skipper of the Bangladesh side, signalled his players to boycott the game to protest against umpires' decisions in a tense clash.

Shakib pleaded guilty and was given one demerit point for his outrageous behaviour during the match.

#8 Angelo Mathews - Sri Lanka

Matthews blasted the coach and the selectors for dropping him from the ODI squad

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board sacked Angelo Matthews from his captaincy after Sri Lanka's dismal run in the Asia Cup tournament. They had crashed out of the tournament after their defeat to Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the first round.

He was dropped from the ODI team, controversially, despite his better batting and bowling records. Matthews lashed out at the board saying he was made the scapegoat for the team's holistic failure. The coach called him a terrible runner and a not-fit cricketer while justifying their decision to drop Matthews.

#9 Ben Stokes - England

Ben Stokes missed few important games this year for the charges and to attend the court hearing

Ben Stokes was involved in a fight at a nightclub at Bristol in November 2017. On January 15, 2018, the all-rounder was charged with affray for his alcohol-fuelled brawl.

He missed the entire Ashes tour and one Test match against India because of charges and court-hearings. He also lost his apparel sponsorship with New Balance for his repetitive not-so sportsmanship behaviour.

However, the controversial all-rounder was acquitted of all charges by the Bristol Magistrates' court on August 14th.

#4 Mohammad Shami - India

Shami is having a miserable 2018 from a personal point of view

India's Mohammad Shami is having a year to forget. Shami's wife, Hasin Jahan, filed an FIR in March against her husband accusing him of domestic violence, adultery and attempted murder.

Hasin continued her accusation against the 28-year old claiming that he has done age-fraud and his current age is 36 by providing proofs in social media.

The controversy is still brewing and is heavily affecting Shami's International career.

#11 Kagiso Rabada - South Africa

Rabada's temper issues have cost him few matches in 2018

Kagiso Rabada was banned for two Test matches against Australia after being found guilty of deliberately brushing shoulder with the Australian captain Steve Smith during Australia's infamous visit to South Africa this year.

He was also given one demerit point for his wild celebration for Warner's sent off. However, he won the appeal and reduced his demerit point to seven thereby escaping the ban.

He, again, gave a fierce send-off to Lynn during the second ODI in November.