With popularity comes responsibilities. Anything and everything you say can either make you or break you, while controversies are a common thing in the showbiz. Often people tend to have the habit of speaking without thinking much, and that is where the controversies begin. There have been many incidents when statements of famous people landed them in huge controversies, whilst there are a few who are known only because of the controversies they were a part of.
Today, we have tried to summon the top 5 most controversial statements ever said by the cricketers. Here’s how the outspoken nature of cricketers landed them in big controversies while they received severe backlash for the statements they made.
Kumar Sangakkara
"In Sri Lanka, cricket and politics have been synonymous. Accountability and transparency in administration and credibility of conduct were lost in a mad power struggle that would leave Sri Lankan cricket with no consistent and clear administration."
While delivering the 2011 MCC Cowdrey Lecture, the Sir Lankan veteran expressed how he felt political interference was affecting cricket in the country.
Shahid Afridi
"In my opinion, if I have to tell the truth, they (Indians) will never have hearts like Muslims and Pakistanis. I don't think they have the large and clean hearts that Allah has given us."
It was during a talk show that the former captain of Pakistan National Men’s cricket team was seen making the above statement. The player was asked about the relations between the two countries, and that is when he slammed the Indian media quoting their negative nature & the Indians.
Sanjay Manjrekar
“I am not a big fan of bits-and-pieces players, which Jadeja is, at this point of his career in 50-over cricket.”
More than his contribution to the Indian national men’s cricket team, Sanjay Manjrekar has been in the news for his sly remarks. The player-turned-commentator has landed up in various controversies during his course of a career, but the latest one was when he posted about Jadeja’s performance during India vs New Zealand T20I. Sanjay was severely criticized by people all over social media.
Ahmed Shehzad
“If you are a non-Muslim and you turn Muslim, no matter whatever you do in your life, straight to heaven.”
Ahmed Shehzad was just another Pakistani player who was caught on camera quoting the aforementioned statement. The conversation was between Ahmed and Sri Lankan player Tillakaratne Dilshan. While Dilshan’s reply wasn’t audible, Ahmed further said: "Then be ready for the fire."
Hardik Pandya
“I have to see how they (girls) move first. I’ve to imagine the picture.”
Hardik Pandya & KL Rahul’s candid talk show interview was one of the biggest controversies of the year 2019. The Indian all-rounder was highly criticized for his sexist remarks during the show. He was mentioned as 'Sexist, misogynistic and racist', for being carried away with the show.
These were some of the biggest controversies that cricketers landed themselves up in. If you think we missed any of the important incidents, then do let us know in the comments.
