Match-fixing scandals have led to life bans for several prominent cricketers, including iconic captains and talented players. Accusations of collusion with bookmakers surfaced against stars from India, Pakistan, and South Africa, tarnishing their legacies. Despite some bans being overturned later, their careers and reputations suffered irreversible damage, marking a dark chapter in cricket.
1. Mohammad Azharuddin (Life ban – overturned in 2012)
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin, widely regarded as one of the team’s finest leaders, faced a lifetime ban for match-fixing in 2000. Known for his graceful batting style, Azharuddin allegedly introduced South African captain Hansie Cronje to betting, leading to the scandal. The Tehelka sting operation brought further allegations against him. His ban was overturned on November 8, 2012, due to insufficient evidence, and his story was later depicted in the Bollywood film Azhar.
2. Ajay Sharma (Life ban – Lifted in 2014)
Ajay Sharma, a promising Indian batsman, was handed a life ban in 2000 for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Found guilty of associating with bookies, Sharma’s career was tragically cut short. Known for his impressive First-Class record, with an average of 68 and over 10,000 runs, Sharma’s Test career ended after just one match. He was among the cricketers implicated in the case alongside Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar, who received five-year bans. His life ban was lifted by the BCCI in 2014.
3. Ata-ur-Rehman (Life ban – Lifted in 2006)
Ata-ur-Rehman, a talented Pakistani fast bowler, debuted at 17 in 1992, known for his precise line and length. However, his promising career was marred by a life ban in 2000 due to involvement with bookmakers during ICC’s crackdown on match-fixing. In 2007, he was cleared of charges but never returned to cricket.
4. Saleem Malik (Life ban – Lifted in 2008)
Saleem Malik, a legendary middle-order batsman, became the first cricketer banned from all formats for match-fixing. Known for his exceptional batting against spinners like Shane Warne, Malik was implicated during Justice Qayyum’s inquiry. Accusations included attempting to bribe players during the 1994-95 Karachi Test. Although his 2001 appeal was rejected, the ban was overturned in 2008.
5. Hansie Cronje (Life ban)
Former South African captain Hansie Cronje was implicated in a match-fixing scandal in 2000, admitting to his involvement and connections with bookmakers. He claimed to have been introduced to them by an Indian counterpart. Before the case could progress further, Cronje tragically died in a plane crash in 2001.