5 incidents that rocked the cricket fraternity over the years
What's the story
Over the years, the world of cricket has witnessed several dark phases that rocked the fraternity and fans all over the world. The latest ball-tampering scandal involving Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft was another addition to this list. From match-fixing to unsolved murders, the cricket fraternity has seen it all. Here we look at some of the incidents that shook the world.
Terrorist attack
Sri Lankan team bus attacked in Pakistan- 2009
On March 3, 2009, the Lankan team bus was on it way to Gaddafi stadium in Lahore to play Day 3 of the 2nd Test. At least 12 gunmen hiding near the stadium attacked the bus. Pakistan police responded and after 20 minutes, the militants fled the place. Several players got injured and 6 policemen were killed. Post this attack, teams stopped touring Pakistan.
Guilty
Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal- 2000
One of the game's most gifted players, Hansie Cronje was alleged of match-fixing scandal which also involved former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Cronje was found guilty of accepting monetary rewards from bookmakers for providing information as well as for fixing matches. He was banned for life. Azharuddin was also handed life-ban for introducing Cronje to bookies. Although his ban was lifted in November 2012.
Deliberate scandal
Pakistan players 'underperform' at Lord's- 2010
Certain Pakistan cricketers obliged to spot-fix a match in 2010. The likes of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were convicted of taking bribes from a bookmaker, Mazhar Majeed to underperform deliberately in the Lord's Test against England. Amir accepted the charges and was banned for five years. Asif and Butt too received a ban despite refusing their involvement.
Unsolved mystery
Bob Woolmer murder- 2007
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his room at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. The 58-year-old was pronounced dead on his arrival at Kingston hospital on the morning of March 18, 2007. The initial report said that Woolmer died of a heart attack, which later proved untrue. The investigation yielded nothing and the jury at an inquest returned an open verdict.
Accidental
Phil Hughes death- 2014
Australia's 25-year-old batsman Phil Hughes passed away two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match in Sydney. The southpaw was hit by a bouncer bowled by Sean Abbot and collapsed face first on the ground. One of the most tragic incidents in cricket left the entire world in a state of shock and disbelief.