5 instances of cricketers being charged with grave crimes

Cricket is supposed to be a gentlemen’s game. However, not all who have played this beautiful sport have been gentlemen. There have been occasions when cricketers have gone rogue and have done acts that have tarnished their own reputation in the cricketing world, something that they themselves would not be proud of.

Abhorrent behavior has resulted in the premature end of many bright cricketing careers. Such instances are not only a personal loss to the cricketers themselves, but also a big loss to country as they lose out on talent. All these incidents do not do a world of good to the game of cricket and the fans.

Let us take a look at 5 controversial instances when cricketers have been charged with grave crimes for their off-the-field acts:

---

#5 Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra has been in and out of the Indian side over the years

The Indian leg-spinner found himself on the wrong side of the law in October 2015 when a female friend of his filed a complaint against him for assaulting her.

The complainant was found to be a Bollywood producer named Vandana Jain who alleged that the Delhi leg-spinner had assaulted her in a hotel room in Bengaluru with a tea-kettle and behaved in an unruly manner.

Team India was playing a series against South Africa back then and Mishra was part of the squad. After the interrogation, Mishra was arrested and released on bail. There were reports about the lady taking the case back, which she later clarified to be untrue and added she has no intention of doing so. Mishra moved to the high court where he was ordered to face trials.

#4 Shahadat Hossain

Shahadat Hossain has played 36 tests and 51 ODIS for Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi fast-bowler and his wife Nritto Shahadat were accused of beating up an 11 year-old girl who used to work at their house as a maid in September 2015.

The cricketer and his wife also attempted to run away but were later hunted down by the cops. They were arrested but were later let go on bail. The case went on for over a year with the couple being charged with torture but were finally acquitted in November 2016.

Shahadat was even refrained from taking part in any tournament organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board until being proven innocent. He has not played international cricket since the controversy and his last appearance for Bangladesh was in March 2013

#3 Navjot Singh Sidhu

After cricket, Navjot Singh Sidhu turned to politics

We all know Navjot Singh Sidhu for his cheesy four-liners during commentary and cricket analysis shows on the TV.

However, the Patiala-born batsman was once charged of homicide. He was convicted of murdering a person named Gurnam Singh by beating him to death. In 2006, Sidhu was proven guilty and was given a 3-year sentence in prison. However that did not prove to be a hindrance in his political aspirations and he contested elections even during his trials.

In his heydays, Sidhu was dashing opener who could score at a high strike rate. He played 51 Tests and 136 ODIS for India from 1983 to 1999.

#4 Rubel Hossain

Rubel Hossain's spell was crucial in Bangladesh's famous win over England in the 2015 World Cup.

The Bangladeshi fast bowler was one of the stars for Bangladesh during their memorable 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign. However, just few days before the World Cup, Rubel Hossain was arrested on rape charges.

The complainant was a 19 year-old girl name Naznin Akhter Happy. She also lodged a complaint of false promise of marriage against the cricketer. Rubel was put behind bars but was later released as a tournament of national significance (ICC Cricket World Cup) was approaching and he was to participate in it. He was a star in Bangladesh’s famous victory over England at Adelaide with figures of 4/53, which secured them their maiden quarter-final berth in the World Cup history.

#1 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been India's premier fast bowler in test cricket in recent times

Mohammed Shami has been India's mainstay in fast-bowling department off late.

However, his career has taken a worse turn after his wife Hasin Jahan has accused the cricketer of infidelity and assualt. Jahan posted screenshots of Shami's controversial chats with girls on her Facebook page. She also filed a complaint with the Kolkata police, following which Shami was booked for several charges including domestic abuse, attempt to murder, causing hurt by poison etc.

His central contract was put on hold after the news broke out. If proven guilty, Shami could face a long sentence in prison which would virtually mean the end of his cricketing career.