10 most controversial cricketers of all time
The world of Cricket was shaken by one of the worst controversies in its history last week as the Australian Cricket Team were found tampering with the ball during the 3rd Test match against South Africa in Durban. With the Australian Skipper, Steven Smith and the relatively fresher, Cameron Bancroft accepting the charges alleged against them, it was the first time since 2000 that players have themselves come out and accepted their crimes in front of the media.
Along with vice-captain David Warner, who is now being touted as the mastermind behind this crime, Smith and Bancroft have been suspended by Cricket Australia for 12 and 9 months respectively in what can be regarded as the darkest day in the history of Australian Cricket in a long, long time
However, this was not the first time when players have been involved in serious controversies. Over the years, there have been certain players - known as the 'Bad Boys' - who have been involved in controversies that have not only tarnished their reputations but have had a long-term impact on their careers. We take a brief look at 10 such cricketers whose careers were marred by controversies and scandals.
#10 David Warner (Australia)
What better way to start with the man who is now being termed as the architect of the whole 'Sand Paper Gate' scandal - Mr. David Warner himself. One of the best cricketers in the world across all the formats, the fierce Australian has never shied away from doing what he wants and has often paid the price for getting involved in controversies and brawls.
Famous for this thuggish and bullish behaviour, Warner has often invited the wrath of former players with Martin Crowe even going as far as asking for a red card and yellow card system for players like him. His infamous bar brawl with Joe Root in England during the 2013 Champions Trophy is still fresh in the memories of fans when he was removed from the Australian Champions Trophy squad.
However, his career reached a new low during their away tour to South Africa. Warner was involved in a confrontation with Quinton De Kock during tea of the first test and was fined 75% of his match fee by the ICC. To make the matters worse, he was a part of the now infamous ball-tampering scandal which has brought an end to his dream of leading the national side in the future.