3 Cricketers who were suspended by their boards for off-field fights

Cricketers are considered role models in society as their every action attracts widespread scrutiny. As a result, the players have to set the highest standards through their demeanour both on and off the field, as they have the power to influence people.

In the age of social media and smartphones, it becomes even more crucial for players to maintain the highest standards of behaviour everywhere, with many capturing their every move. However, at times, players forget about their public image and engage in violent behaviour, which not only maligns their image in the public eye but also proves to be a major blot in their cricketing careers.

Here are three such players who got involved in public fights and faced suspensions from their boards:

1. Shoaib Akhtar

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was released from Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the maiden T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa after engaging in a dressing room fight with teammate Mohammad Asif. Akhtar reportedly abused Asif and hit him with a bat on his thigh. As a result, Akhtar was suspended for multiple matches in the aftermath of the incident.

2. Ricky Ponting

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting also finds his name in the unwanted list, having been involved in a nightclub brawl back in January 1999, which left his eye blackened. As a result, Ponting was handed a 5,000 AUSD fine and was banned for three matches. Following the incident, he admitted that he has a drinking problem and was seeking counselling. Earlier, Ponting was fined 2,000 AUSD for allegedly groping a woman in a nightclub during the Australian tour of India in 1998.

3. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson

The England Test captain is the latest entrant in the list, along with teammate Gus Atkinson, after being involved in a fracas at a nightclub following his team’s victory in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Both Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been suspended from playing for England until a committee set up by the ECB completes its investigation into the incident. They’re likely to face strong sanctions after also breaking the team’s night curfew rules.