Cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a game overflowing with emotions. With passion often comes polarizing opinions, including admiration and criticism, love and hate. The phrase “most hated cricketers” has often been associated with players who, despite their undeniable talent, have faced backlash. Over the years, some cricketers have earned immense love for their skills and sportsmanship, while others have managed to attract detractors for various reasons.
Whether it’s due to controversial actions, attitude problems, or even fan biases, these players have become divisive figures. Such instances make cricket a game of not just skill but also strong emotions, where the term “most hated cricketers” becomes part of the narrative.
Take a look at the List of 10 Most Hated cricketers
1. Gautam Gambhir – India
Gautam Gambhir is a name that doesn’t surprise many when discussing polarizing cricketers. Known for his fiery personality, Gambhir has been involved in numerous heated exchanges on the field. One infamous instance was his argument with Rahul Dravid, often regarded as one of the calmest cricketers. This incident earned him criticism even from fans in India.
While his aggressive attitude and winning mindset were admirable, many believe his behavior sometimes crossed the line, affecting the spirit of the game. This made him a polarizing figure among cricket enthusiasts.
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2. Michael Clarke – Australia
Michael Clarke, a former Australian captain and an exceptional batsman, was notorious for his aggressive on-field demeanor. Known for sledging and occasionally crossing boundaries, Clarke often used these tactics to intimidate opponents. One notable incident occurred in 2003 when he sledged Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, which drew widespread criticism.
Clarke’s willingness to use unconventional or unsportsmanlike methods to secure wins didn’t sit well with many. His reputation for prioritizing victories at any cost earned him a fair share of critics.
3. Russel Arnold – Sri Lanka
Russel Arnold, a left-handed batsman from Sri Lanka, wasn’t known for maintaining a calm demeanor on the field. He was involved in several disputes with opponents. During the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002, Arnold was deliberately walking on the pitch, which led Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to warn him sternly.
Such behavior created a negative impression of Arnold among fans and players alike, further fueling his notoriety.
4. Ricky Ponting – Australia
Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful captains in cricket history, often employed controversial tactics to ensure Australia’s dominance. From excessive sledging to making questionable appeals, Ponting left no stone unturned to achieve victory.
His habit of using such strategies, including the infamous “fake appeal” incidents, often left opposition fans furious. Despite his achievements, his aggressive leadership style added to his list of critics.
5. Ollie Robinson – England
Most hated cricketers often gain notoriety for controversial actions on and off the field. England pacer Ollie Robinson, a modern addition to this list, became a contentious figure during the 2023 Ashes. After dismissing Usman Khawaja, Robinson made headlines by delivering a hostile send-off to the batter. This unsporting gesture stirred anger among fans and experts worldwide.
Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, joined the critics, describing Robinson as a “frustrated and unremarkable bowler.” Robinson’s brash behavior, alongside this infamous incident, has cemented his place in the ranks of most hated cricketers, facing significant backlash from both the cricketing community and the public.
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6. Misbah-ul-Haq – Pakistan
Misbah-ul-Haq, despite being respected as a batsman and captain, is considered one of the “most hated cricketers” by many fans due to his overly defensive approach in ODIs, often blamed for Pakistan’s failures.
A key moment that turned fans against him was in the 2007 ICC World T20 final, where his ill-timed scoop shot handed India the victory. This incident cemented his reputation as one of the most divisive figures in cricket.
7. Herschelle Gibbs – South Africa
Herschelle Gibbs, one of the most hated cricketers, was undoubtedly a talented batsman, but his career was overshadowed by controversy. His involvement in a match-fixing scandal significantly damaged South Africa’s cricketing reputation.
Known for his sledging and aggressive on-field behavior, Gibbs became infamous among opposition players and fans. These antics further solidified his reputation as one of the most hated cricketers in the sport.
8. Salman Butt – Pakistan
Salman Butt, once celebrated as a promising opener for Pakistan, tarnished his career and reputation by being involved in a spot-fixing scandal. His actions during the infamous 2010 England tour dealt a severe blow to Pakistan’s cricketing image, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts deeply disappointed.
His betrayal of the sport’s integrity for personal gain led to widespread condemnation from fans around the globe. As a result, Salman Butt is often regarded as one of the most hated cricketers in the history of the game.
9. Lou Vincent – New Zealand
Lou Vincent is often remembered as one of the most hated cricketers due to his involvement in match-fixing scandals. His reputation took a severe hit when he was implicated in multiple instances, including during the Bangladesh Premier League.
These actions not only tarnished his cricketing career but also brought shame to New Zealand cricket. His betrayal of the sport’s ethics left fans and cricket communities deeply disappointed, further solidifying his position among the most hated cricketers.
10. MS Dhoni – India
It’s surprising but true that even MS Dhoni, one of India’s most celebrated captains, finds himself on the list of the most hated cricketers. Despite being admired globally for his calm demeanor and exceptional leadership skills, some Indian fans criticize him for allegedly sidelining senior players like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman during his tenure.
Additionally, his struggles in overseas Tests have drawn significant criticism. Many fans blame him for India’s poor performances in those matches, contributing to his inclusion among the most hated cricketers. Despite leading India to multiple World Cup victories and earning immense success, Dhoni’s detractors remain vocal, particularly on social media platforms.
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