Cricket and cricketers around the globe are close to the limelight on and off the field. Over the years, it has also been popular for good and bad reasons.
Many prominent international cricketers have faced bans for various scandals, ranging from match-fixing to failing to report corrupt approaches. This article examines the cases of notable international cricketers who have been banned, examining the circumstances surrounding their suspensions.
Further, we will also look at how it has caused an impact on their careers to understand the challenges facing cricket’s integrity and the measures taken to protect the game’s reputation.
10 Popular International Cricketers Who Got Banned
Before learning the specific cases, let’s have a look at a summary of some of the most prominent international cricketers who have faced bans. It’s important to note that some of these bans were later modified or overturned upon appeal.
| Player Name | Country | Year Banned | Ban Duration | Reason for Ban |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saleem Malik | Pakistan | 2000 | Life (overturned in 2008) | Match-fixing allegations |
| Hansie Cronje | South Africa | 2000 | Life | Match-fixing |
| Mohammad Amir | Pakistan | 2010 | 5 years | Spot-fixing |
| Mohammad Asif | Pakistan | 2010 | 7 years | Spot-fixing |
| Salman Butt | Pakistan | 2010 | 10 years (5 suspended) | Spot-fixing |
| Danish Kaneria | Pakistan | 2012 | Life | Spot-fixing |
| Lou Vincent | New Zealand | 2014 | Life | Match-fixing |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 2019 | 2 years (1 suspended) | Failing to report corrupt approaches |
| Umar Akmal | Pakistan | 2020 | 18 months (reduced from 3 years) | Failing to report corrupt approaches |
| Heath Streak | Zimbabwe | 2021 | 8 years | Breaching anti-corruption code |
Further, we get to understand the following section looks into the cases of ten prominent international cricketers who faced bans, examining the circumstances surrounding their suspensions and the impact on their careers.
1. Saleem Malik
Saleem Malik, former Pakistani captain and middle-order batsman, was the first cricketer to receive a life ban for match-fixing in 2000. He was found guilty of offering bribes to Australian players Shane Warne and Mark Waugh to underperform in matches.
The ban was overturned in 2008 by a Pakistani court, but Malik’s reputation had already suffered irreparable damage. His case was one of the earliest high-profile match-fixing scandals that shook the cricketing world.
2. Hansie Cronje
Hansie Cronje, former South African captain, was banned for life in 2000 after admitting to accepting money from bookmakers for providing information and fixing matches. His confession shocked the cricketing world and led to a widespread investigation into corruption in cricket.
Cronje’s case remains one of the most infamous in cricket history, highlighting how even highly respected players could fall prey to corruption.
3. Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Amir, a young Pakistani fast bowler, was banned for five years in 2010 for his involvement in spot-fixing during a Test match against England. Amir, along with teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, was found guilty of bowling deliberate no-balls at pre-arranged times.
Amir’s case was particularly notable due to his young age at the time (18) and his successful return to international cricket after serving his ban.
4. Mohammad Asif
Mohammad Asif, Amir’s bowling partner, received a seven-year ban (with two years suspended) for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. Asif was considered one of Pakistan’s most talented bowlers, making his downfall particularly dramatic.
Unlike Amir, Asif was unable to successfully resume his international career after his ban was lifted.
5. Salman Butt
Salman Butt, Pakistan’s captain during the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, received the harshest punishment of the trio involved – a 10-year ban with five years suspended. As the senior player and captain, Butt was seen as the orchestrator of the spot-fixing scheme.
Butt’s case shed light to the heavy responsibility that team leaders bear in maintaining the integrity of the game.
6. Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria, Pakistan’s most successful Test spinner, was banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2012 for his role in spot-fixing while playing county cricket for Essex. Kaneria was found guilty of inducing his teammate Mervyn Westfield to underperform in a match.
The widespread nature of the problem and the need for anti-corruption efforts at all levels of the sport were underscored by this case.
7. Lou Vincent
Lou Vincent, former New Zealand batsman, received a life ban in 2014 after admitting to match-fixing in multiple countries. Vincent’s case was unique in that he cooperated fully with investigators and provided detailed information about the extent of corruption in cricket.
His ban and subsequent revelations led to increased scrutiny of T20 leagues around the world.
8. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder, was banned for two years (one year suspended) in 2019 for failing to report corrupt approaches from bookmakers. While Shakib wasn’t accused of actual corruption, his failure to report the approaches was seen as a serious breach of the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
Shakib’s case became a wake-up call, emphasizing that silence can be as damaging as direct involvement.
9. Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman, was initially banned for three years in 2020 for failing to report corrupt approaches. The ban was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
This recent incident revealed that despite previous high-profile cases, the sport continued to grapple with integrity issues, suggesting a need for more robust preventative measures.
10. Heath Streak
Heath Streak, former Zimbabwean captain and coach, was banned for eight years in 2021 for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. Streak was found guilty of disclosing inside information and facilitating the introduction of four players to a potential corruptor.
As a respected figure in Zimbabwean cricket, Streak’s ban was a significant blow to the sport in the country and emphasized that even retired players and coaches could be vulnerable to corruption.
ICC Code Of Conduct Brief
The ICC Anti-Corruption Code aims to protect cricket’s integrity by prohibiting corrupt conduct like match-fixing, betting, and misuse of inside information. It applies to all participants in cricket and outlines offenses, investigation procedures, and potential sanctions.
The code allows for provisional suspensions, hearings, and appeals. Sanctions can include fines and bans up to lifetime.
The ICC and national cricket federations enforce the code and educate participants about their obligations to maintain cricket’s integrity.
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Conclusion: Internationally, Many Crickets Have Been Banned
The bans imposed on international cricketers over the past two decades reflect the ongoing struggle to maintain the sport’s integrity in the face of evolving challenges.
From the match-fixing scandals of the early 2000s to more recent spot-fixing controversies, these incidents have forced cricket authorities to reassess and strengthen their anti-corruption measures continually.
The stories are reminders of the personal and professional costs of engaging in corrupt practices. They highlight the responsibility of players, officials, and governing bodies in protecting the game’s integrity and respecting the sport and its fans.
As cricket continues to grow globally, particularly with the rise of T20 leagues, vigilance against corruption remains crucial.
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