6 Famous Cricketers Who Fought During a Match | Amazing Info

Cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, known for its grace, discipline, and sportsmanship. But sometimes, even in this elegant sport, tempers flare, emotions run high, and egos clash. Over the years, several high-profile cricketers have been involved in on-field confrontations that shocked fans and reminded everyone that behind the calm exteriors, fierce competitors lie in wait.

Here are six famous cricketers who fought during a match, leaving lasting impressions on the game and its fans.

1. Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir – IPL 2023

Context:
One of the most talked-about recent confrontations occurred during the IPL 2023 season, when Virat Kohli, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, clashed with Gautam Gambhir, the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants.

What Happened:
After a tense match, Kohli was seen engaging in a heated argument with LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. Soon after, Gambhir stepped in, and a verbal altercation followed between the two former Indian teammates. Both had to be physically separated by players and staff. The BCCI fined both parties, and the incident became a viral topic on social media.

Why It Mattered:
The fight wasn’t just about the match—it hinted at longstanding personal differences. While both players are passionate, their aggressive personalities have clashed before, including during a 2013 IPL game.

2. Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth – Slapgate 2008

Context:
One of the most controversial incidents in IPL history took place in 2008 when Harbhajan Singh, playing for Mumbai Indians, reportedly slapped Sreesanth of Kings XI Punjab after a game.

What Happened:
Sreesanth was seen crying on the field after the match, and while the exact reason was unclear at first, it later emerged that Harbhajan had slapped him following a disagreement. The incident sparked outrage, and Harbhajan was handed an 11-match ban.

Why It Mattered:
This altercation was a wake-up call for the IPL and the BCCI, both of which were keen on maintaining the league’s decorum. It also strained the relationship between two teammates who had played together for India.

3. Michael Clarke vs James Anderson – The Ashes 2013

Context:
The Ashes is one of the most fiercely contested series in cricket, and in 2013, it delivered not just high-quality cricket but also on-field drama between Michael Clarke and James Anderson.

What Happened:
During the first Test at Gabba, Australia’s Mitchell Johnson was bowling bouncers to Anderson. Clarke, standing at slip, was caught on the stump mic saying, “Face up… get ready for a broken f***ing arm!” directed at Anderson. The statement caused massive backlash and added fuel to the already tense atmosphere.

Why It Mattered:
The sledge exposed the intense rivalry between Australia and England. Clarke later admitted he went too far, but the moment has remained one of the most aggressive sledging examples in cricket history.

4. Shoaib Akhtar vs Mohammad Asif – Dressing Room Fight 2007

Context:
This wasn’t an on-field fight but happened just before the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Pakistani pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif got into a serious fight during practice.

What Happened:
Reportedly, a joke turned sour, leading Shoaib Akhtar to hit Asif with a bat in the dressing room. Asif suffered a leg injury, and Akhtar was sent home before the tournament began.

Why It Mattered:
The incident embarrassed the Pakistan Cricket Board and affected team morale ahead of a crucial tournament. It also damaged Shoaib’s reputation further, contributing to his ‘bad boy’ image in international cricket.

5. Andrew Symonds vs Harbhajan Singh – Monkeygate Scandal 2008

Context:
This infamous incident occurred during India’s tour of Australia in 2008, particularly in the Sydney Test. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds accused Harbhajan Singh of racial abuse.

What Happened:
Symonds claimed that Harbhajan called him a “monkey” during a heated exchange. The situation escalated into a full-blown diplomatic and media crisis. Harbhajan was initially banned for three matches, but the decision was overturned after India threatened to pull out of the tour.

Why It Mattered:
This was one of the most damaging controversies in modern cricket. It strained Indo-Australian relations and raised important discussions around sledging, racism, and sportsmanship.

6. Javed Miandad vs Dennis Lillee – On-Field Clash 1981

Context:
Back in 1981, during a Test match between Pakistan and Australia in Perth, a bizarre and fiery altercation took place between Javed Miandad and Dennis Lillee.

What Happened:
After Miandad completed a run, he collided with Lillee, who then deliberately kicked him. In response, Miandad lifted his bat as if to strike Lillee. The umpires and other players rushed in to prevent the situation from turning violent.

Why It Mattered:
This was one of the earliest and most iconic fights in cricket history. It showed that even cricket’s golden age had its share of hotheads. The incident led to Lillee being fined and temporarily suspended.

Conclusion: Emotions vs Sportsmanship

Cricket, like any competitive sport, is driven by passion, pride, and performance. While such fights and altercations make headlines and add drama, they also serve as reminders of the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect.

Each of these incidents had different consequences—some led to bans, others to apologies, and a few to lifelong grudges. But they all remain etched in cricketing history, shaping the narratives of players and rivalries for years to come.

As fans, it’s thrilling to see intense rivalries, but the beauty of cricket lies in its ability to channel aggression through skill, not violence. Let’s hope the game continues to evolve while keeping its gentlemanly spirit alive.

Bonus Mentions: Other Notable Spats

• Ben Stokes vs Marlon Samuels – Verbal duels throughout their careers.

• Kieron Pollard vs Mitchell Starc – IPL 2014 spat with bat-throwing gesture.

• MS Dhoni vs Mustafizur Rahman – Dhoni shoulder-barged the bowler in a rare show of frustration.

Which of these fights shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments or share your favorite cricket rivalry!