Top 10 Most Hated Cricketers in the world

Explore the most hated cricketer in the world, infamous for their scandals, conduct during matches, and polarizing personalities. These athletes have elicited intense responses from fans around the globe due to their combative behavior and contentious remarks.

This article Fun88 will explore the most hated cricketer in the world, delving into the reasons behind this animosity and how it has impacted their careers.

David Warner

David Warner, known for his aggressive batting and fiery personality, is one of the most polarizing figures in modern cricket. The Australian opener has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. The most infamous of these was the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, which shocked the cricketing world.

As a senior player, Warner’s role in the incident led to a one-year ban and a tarnished reputation. His confrontational nature on the field, especially his sledging and verbal spats with opponents, has further fueled the dislike.

Despite his efforts to reform his image post-scandal, many fans and pundits still view him with suspicion and disapproval.

Warner’s aggressive approach, both as a batsman and a fielder, has often led to heated exchanges on the field. His behavior has been described as unsportsmanlike on numerous occasions, particularly during matches against arch-rivals like England and India.

These incidents, combined with his unapologetic demeanor, have solidified his place as which cricketer has most fans in the world.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, one of the most accomplished cricketers of his generation, is also one of the most divisive. The former captain of the Indian cricket team is celebrated for his aggressive batting style and leadership, but his fiery temperament and confrontational attitude have often drawn criticism.

Kohli is known for his intense on-field behavior, which includes animated celebrations, aggressive send-offs, and frequent altercations with opponents and umpires.

His rivalry with Australian cricketers, particularly during the 2017 Test series, and his heated exchanges with England players in the 2021 series, have earned him many detractors.

Even though hated, many people still think that Virat Kohli can be on the list of GOAT of cricket in India and which cricketer has most fans in the world.

Moreover, his tendency to wear his emotions on his sleeve has not gone down well with everyone, leading to perceptions of arrogance and entitlement. Outside India, many fans see Kohli as a brash and overbearing figure, which has made him a polarizing presence in international cricket.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith, one of the most talented batsmen of his era, saw his reputation take a severe hit during the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. As the captain of the Australian team, Smith’s failure to prevent or even condone the actions of his teammates during the Cape Town Test against South Africa led to widespread condemnation.

His tearful press conference following the incident did little to repair the damage, and he was banned for a year from international cricket.

While Smith has made a successful comeback and regained some respect for his performances, the stigma of the scandal still lingers.

For many, his involvement in one of cricket’s darkest chapters makes him an unforgivable figure. His unorthodox batting style and occasional displays of petulance on the field have also contributed to his negative image among certain sections of fans.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, the dynamic English all-rounder, has had his fair share of controversies. His involvement in a brawl outside a nightclub in 2017, which led to a court case and temporary suspension from the England team, is one of the most infamous incidents of his career. The altercation not only put his career at risk but also attracted widespread criticism and scrutiny.

Despite his heroics in the 2019 World Cup and Ashes series, Stokes remains a controversial figure. His aggressive behavior on the field, particularly his verbal spats with opponents and his tendency to celebrate exuberantly, has not endeared him to all fans.

Stokes’ off-field behavior, combined with his sometimes volatile on-field persona, has made him a figure of dislike, especially among fans of rival teams.

Kieron Pollard

Who is the most hated cricketer in india apart from the names mentioned? Kieron Pollard, the West Indian all-rounder, is known for his intimidating presence on the field. His frequent confrontations with players and umpires, combined with his aggressive playing style, have made him a controversial figure.

Pollard’s infamous altercations with Indian players during the IPL and his sometimes unsportsmanlike behavior have contributed to his reputation as one of the most disliked cricketers in the world.

Gautam Gambhir

In the list of most hated cricketers in the world 2024, Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian opener, is known for his aggressive attitude and confrontational nature. His on-field spat with Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and verbal duels with Virat Kohli during IPL matches have earned him a notorious reputation.

Despite his contributions to Indian cricket and rated best fielder in the world, Gambhir’s outspoken nature and political involvement have made him a divisive figure among fans.

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian off-spinner, has been involved in numerous controversies throughout his career. His infamous altercation with Sreesanth during the IPL, known as the “slap-gate” incident, shocked the cricketing world. Harbhajan’s temper and aggressive behavior have often overshadowed his cricketing achievements.

The “Monkeygate” scandal during India’s tour of Australia in 2008, where he was accused of making racist remarks towards Andrew Symonds, further tarnished his reputation.

Although he was later cleared of the charges, the incident left a lasting impact on his image. Harbhajan’s fiery personality, combined with his aggressive style of play, has made him a disliked figure, especially among Australian fans.

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, the flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder, is as famous for his explosive batting as he is for his controversial statements. Known for his unpredictable behavior, Afridi has often found himself in the midst of controversies.

His comment during a TV interview in 2011, where he criticized Indian cricketers and fans, drew sharp reactions and further strained relations between the cricketing communities of both countries.

Afridi’s decision to retire and then come out of retirement multiple times has also been a source of criticism, leading to perceptions of him being indecisive and attention-seeking.

His on-field behavior, including his habit of celebrating wickets in a seemingly disrespectful manner, has not endeared him to everyone. Afridi remains a beloved figure in Pakistan, but outside his home country, he is often viewed with skepticism and disdain.

Andrew Symonds

Andrew Symonds, the hard-hitting Australian all-rounder, had a career marked by brilliance on the field and controversies off it.

The “Monkeygate” scandal, where he accused Harbhajan Singh of racial abuse, was a significant low point in his career. The incident not only soured relations between the Indian and Australian teams but also drew widespread criticism towards Symonds for his handling of the situation.

Symonds’ issues with discipline, including missing team meetings due to drinking, further damaged his reputation.

Despite his immense talent and contributions to Australian cricket, his off-field antics often overshadowed his achievements. Symonds’ reputation as a controversial and difficult player has made him one of the most polarizing figures in cricket history.

Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen, the flamboyant English batsman, has always been a divisive figure in cricket. Known for his outspoken nature and clashes with teammates and the English Cricket Board, Pietersen’s attitude has often rubbed people the wrong way. His controversial exit from the England team and his criticism of management have made him a controversial figure, despite his exceptional cricketing skills.

Conclusion

In the end, the title of the most hated cricketer in the world is subjective and often fueled by personal biases and media portrayal. While these cricketers may have their detractors, they also have a loyal fan base that admires their skills and contributions to the game. Ultimately, their impact on cricket is undeniable, and their legacy will continue to spark debates and discussions among fans for years to come.