Well, cricket is one of the most popular games, and it’s also called the gentleman’s game. But over the years, the game has seen moments that were anything but gentlemanly. From match-fixing scandals to shocking acts of poor sportsmanship, these controversies have left an indelible mark on cricket’s legacy. So let’s dive into the Top 10 Controversies Happened in the History of Cricket.
Top 10 Controversies Happened in the History of Cricket
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1️⃣ Bodyline Series – England vs Australia (1932–33)
When: (1932–33) Ashes Series
Where: Australia
England arrived in Australia with one goal — to stop the unstoppable Don Bradman, who had averaged almost 100 in previous series. Under captain Douglas Jardine, England employed the now-infamous Bodyline tactic: bowlers aimed short-pitched deliveries directly at the batsman’s body with fielders packed around the leg side.
The move, led by fast bowler Harold Larwood, was legal but deeply dangerous. Australian batsmen suffered bruises and fear became part of the game. Local crowds booed English players, and Australian newspapers called the tactic “unsporting warfare.”
The situation escalated so much that it caused diplomatic tension between the British and Australian governments. The Australian Cricket Board even sent a formal protest to the MCC.
In the end, the Bodyline strategy worked — England won the series — but at a massive reputational cost. The incident led the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to modify the rules to prevent bowlers from using similar intimidatory tactics again.
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2️⃣ Underarm Bowling Incident – Australia vs New Zealand (1981)
When: February 1, 1981
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
One of cricket’s most disgraceful acts occurred during an ODI final between Australia and New Zealand. With New Zealand needing six runs from the final ball to tie, Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl underarm — rolling the ball along the pitch to make a six impossible.
The crowd was stunned into silence. New Zealand’s Brian McKechnie blocked the delivery in anger, and commentator Richie Benaud condemned the act on live television, calling it “the most disgraceful thing I have ever seen.”
Even Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser criticized his team, saying, “It was against the spirit of the game.”
Public outrage followed. The incident led to the ICC officially banning underarm bowling, ensuring no one could ever repeat such a move again. The match remains a stain on Australian cricket’s proud history.
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3️⃣ Hansie Cronje Match-Fixing Scandal (2000)
When: April 2000
Where: Exposed during South Africa’s tour of India
Cricket’s integrity took a devastating blow when Delhi Police revealed that South African captain Hansie Cronje had links with Indian bookmakers. The police released recorded phone calls in which Cronje discussed throwing matches for money.
Initially, Cronje denied all allegations, but as evidence piled up, he broke down and confessed: “The devil made me do it.”
Cronje admitted to taking over $100,000 in bribes to manipulate match outcomes and influence other players. The King Commission in South Africa investigated, leading to his lifetime ban from cricket.
Cronje’s downfall stunned the cricket world because he had been considered one of the most respected captains. His tragic death in a plane crash two years later left fans wondering if more secrets died with him.
The scandal became the turning point for cricket’s anti-corruption efforts, prompting the ICC to form the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) to monitor player conduct.
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4️⃣ Ball-Tampering Controversy – Pakistan at The Oval (2006)
When: August 20, 2006
Where: The Oval, London
During the fourth Test between England and Pakistan, umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove accused Pakistan of ball tampering. They awarded five penalty runs to England and changed the ball.
Feeling insulted by the accusation, captain Inzamam-ul-Haq refused to take the field after the tea break in protest. The umpires declared the match forfeited — the first time in 129 years of Test cricket that such a decision was made.
The incident caused outrage in Pakistan. Inzamam was charged with bringing the game into disrepute but later cleared. Darrell Hair, however, faced immense criticism for his handling of the situation and was eventually dropped from the ICC’s elite umpiring panel.
The controversy reignited discussions about fairness, cultural sensitivity, and the treatment of Asian teams by Western officials.
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5️⃣ Monkeygate Scandal – India vs Australia (2008)
When: January 2008
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia
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—DHANYAVAAD—
