Cricket is not just a sport; it carries an immense emotional weight, with players often finding themselves at the receiving end of both admiration and resentment. Over the years, several cricketers, despite their phenomenal skills, have attracted a substantial number of haters globally. Here’s a look at ten cricketers who, for various reasons, have faced the ire of fans.
1. Gautam Gambhir (India)
Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion on this list might not shock many. Known for his fiery temperament, the former Indian opener and KKR captain has been involved in numerous on-field altercations. One particularly infamous spat was with the generally calm Rahul Dravid, which did not sit well with Indian fans. While Gambhir’s desire to win is undeniable, his confrontational attitude has, over time, built a legion of critics within his own country. While competitiveness is essential, many felt that Gambhir crossed the line of sportsmanship too often, adding to his list of detractors.
2. Michael Clarke (Australia)
Though a brilliant batsman and successful captain, Michael Clarke’s reputation was often overshadowed by his aggressive behaviour on the field. He was notorious for sledging opponents to disrupt their focus, with even legends like Sachin Tendulkar falling victim to his verbal jabs in 2003. Clarke’s willingness to engage in unsportsmanlike tactics, such as aggressive sledging and pushing boundaries to win, earned him a considerable number of haters. His determination sometimes crossed the line, leaving a lasting negative impression on both players and fans.
3. Russell Arnold (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold, despite his talents, was no stranger to controversy. His attitude often rubbed opponents the wrong way. A memorable incident occurred during the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, when Arnold was walking down the pitch, leading Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to warn him about his unsporting behaviour. Arnold’s tendency to engage in heated exchanges on the field alienated him from many fans, and his erratic on-field conduct has ensured a spot on this list.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting, one of the most accomplished captains in cricket history, often resorted to questionable tactics to secure victories. Known for leading an aggressive Australian side, Ponting sometimes relied on dubious methods, like pressuring umpires with fake appeals. His win-at-all-costs mentality earned him as many haters as fans. While his achievements are undeniable, Ponting’s lack of sportsmanship at critical moments left a sour taste for many, furthering his controversial legacy.
5. Ollie Robinson (England)
A more recent entrant to the list, Ollie Robinson garnered significant backlash during the 2023 Ashes series. After dismissing Usman Khawaja during the first Test, Robinson’s unsportsmanlike send-off didn’t sit well with many, including cricket experts and fans worldwide. Even former Australian captain Ricky Ponting took issue with Robinson’s actions, criticizing him for his lack of skill and composure. Ponting remarked that Robinson appeared frustrated, watching Khawaja calmly handle his deliveries all day. This behaviour has since earned Robinson a growing group of haters.
6. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
Despite his achievements as a cricketer and captain, Misbah-ul-Haq has faced significant criticism, particularly from fans in his own country. Pakistani supporters often accused Misbah of being overly defensive in ODI cricket, blaming him for crucial losses. One such incident that tarnished his reputation was in the final of the 2007 ICC World T20, where his ill-timed shot in the final over handed the trophy to India. While respected by many, Misbah’s conservative approach and key mistakes have made him a target for criticism.
7. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)
Herschelle Gibbs, one of South Africa’s most dynamic batsmen, was not free from controversy. His involvement in a match-fixing scandal damaged his reputation and tarnished the image of South African cricket. Gibbs’ aggressive style also made him unpopular among opposition fans, especially when coupled with his history of sledging. These factors combined to make Gibbs one of the most disliked cricketers during his career.
8. Salman Butt (Pakistan)
Salman Butt’s legacy in cricket was irreparably damaged when he became embroiled in a match-fixing scandal. As a captain of the Pakistani national team, his actions were seen as a betrayal, not only to the sport but to the entire nation. His decision to prioritise personal gain over national pride resulted in widespread condemnation from fans around the globe. Butt’s disgraceful conduct during this scandal ensures that his name remains synonymous with cricket’s darker side.
9. Lou Vincent (New Zealand)
Like Salman Butt, Lou Vincent’s career is forever marred by his involvement in match-fixing. The former New Zealand batsman was implicated in multiple match-fixing incidents, including during the Bangladesh Premier League. Vincent’s fall from grace caused immense embarrassment for New Zealand cricket, and his actions have left him with few supporters worldwide. His repeated offences in manipulating games led to a global reputation as a dishonest player.
10. MS Dhoni (India)
It’s surprising, but even MS Dhoni, one of the most successful and revered Indian captains, has his share of haters. Despite his global respect, a faction of Indian fans holds Dhoni responsible for the retirement of seniors like Ganguly, Dravid, and Laxman, and for the exclusion of players like Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, and Harbhajan. Others criticize his captaincy in overseas Tests. Although Dhoni has achieved remarkable feats, such as winning the World Cup, he still faces inexplicable criticism, particularly from within his own country.
Though these cricketers have achieved remarkable feats, their conduct on and off the field has often divided fan bases, earning them both admiration and dislike. Despite their talent, these athletes have found themselves in the crosshairs of criticism for reasons ranging from on-field aggression to off-field controversies.