Top 10 Most Hated Cricketers in International Cricket

Cricket, the gentleman’s game, is not always free of controversies and rivalries. Some players, due to their on-field aggression, controversies, or off-field behavior, have become widely disliked or even hated among fans. This article covers the Top 10 Most Hated Cricketers in International Cricket, including their stats, controversies, and reasons for fan backlash. Key search terms include most hated cricketer in India, most hated cricketer in the world, most hated cricketer, most hated Indian cricketer, most hated player in cricket, who is the most hated person in India, most hated cricket team in the world.

Understanding Why Cricketers Become Hated

Hate in sports is usually a mix of on-field behavior, off-field controversies, media portrayal, and rivalry. Some common reasons include:

• Aggressive sledging or unsportsmanlike conduct
• Conflict with teammates or cricket boards
• Political statements or off-field controversies
• Rivalries with national teams
• Personal scandals or misconduct

1. Virat Kohli (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Virat Kohli
Country	India
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Aggressive on-field behavior, sledging opponents, social media backlash

• While Virat Kohli has millions of fans, his aggressive demeanor on field and heated reactions against opponents have earned him criticism.
• Some fans call him the most hated Indian cricketer due to perceived arrogance, especially during aggressive chases.

2. Steve Smith (Australia)

Attribute	Details
Name	Steve Smith
Country	Australia
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Ball-tampering scandal, perceived arrogance

• Steve Smith faced global criticism after the 2018 ball-tampering incident.
• Many fans label him as the most hated cricketer in the world during that period.
• Known for his brilliant batting, yet his on-field conduct has polarized opinions.

3. Andrew Flintoff (England)

Attribute	Details
Name	Andrew Flintoff
Country	England
Formats	ODI, Test
Controversies	On-field sledging, off-field partying incidents

• Popular for his aggressive style but also criticized for reckless behavior and sledging.
• Seen as a divisive figure among cricket fans during his career.

4. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Attribute	Details
Name	Shahid Afridi
Country	Pakistan
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Aggressive batting, sledging, clash with opponents

• Nicknamed Boom Boom Afridi, he is loved for explosive batting but also disliked for controversial on-field antics.
• Many Indian fans consider him among the most hated cricketers in India.

5. Hardik Pandya (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Hardik Pandya
Country	India
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Controversial comments on talk shows, aggressive on-field behavior

• Known for his powerful hitting, yet public comments in media earned him criticism.
• Some consider him divisive, affecting his image despite on-field talent.

6. Kevin Pietersen (England)

Attribute	Details
Name	Kevin Pietersen
Country	England
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Clashes with teammates, outspoken on social media

• Known for brilliance on the field, but often in news for conflicts with English cricket authorities.
• Seen as both highly skilled and controversial, making him polarizing.

7. Yuvraj Singh (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Yuvraj Singh
Country	India
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	On-field sledging incidents, outspoken interviews

• Despite being a fan favorite for his match-winning knocks, some controversies made him disliked by opponents.
• His aggressive attitude occasionally stirred debates among fans.

8. Shane Warne (Australia)

Attribute	Details
Name	Shane Warne
Country	Australia
Formats	ODI, Test
Controversies	Drug ban, off-field scandals, sledging

• One of cricket’s greatest leg-spinners but never without controversy.
• His bold personality and off-field incidents made him a polarizing figure globally.

9. M.S. Dhoni (India) – Surprisingly Polarizing

Attribute	Details
Name	Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Country	India
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Captaincy decisions, aggressive finishing style

• While a legend, some fans have criticized Dhoni for conservative captaincy or finishing strategies.
• Polarizing mostly among rival fans, making him part of debates on most hated cricketer in India.

10. Virender Sehwag (India)

Attribute	Details
Name	Virender Sehwag
Country	India
Formats	ODI, T20, Test
Controversies	Aggressive batting, sledging, outspoken comments

• Loved for explosive batting, yet some fans dislike his on-field antics.
• His fearless style made him a target for criticism from rival teams.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Most Hated Cricketers

Player	Country	Formats	Reason for Hate/Controversy
Virat Kohli	India	ODI, T20, Test	Aggressive on-field behavior, sledging
Steve Smith	Australia	ODI, T20, Test	Ball-tampering scandal, arrogance
Andrew Flintoff	England	ODI, Test	Sledging, off-field partying
Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	ODI, T20, Test	Aggressive batting, sledging
Hardik Pandya	India	ODI, T20, Test	Controversial talk show comments, aggression
Kevin Pietersen	England	ODI, T20, Test	Clashes with teammates, outspoken
Yuvraj Singh	India	ODI, T20, Test	Sledging incidents, outspoken interviews
Shane Warne	Australia	ODI, Test	Drug ban, off-field scandals, sledging
M.S. Dhoni	India	ODI, T20, Test	Conservative captaincy debates, polarizing decisions
Virender Sehwag	India	ODI, T20, Test	Aggressive batting, sledging

FAQs – Most Hated Cricketers

Conclusion

While talent and achievements define a cricketer’s career, controversies, aggressive behavior, and polarizing personalities often make players targets of hate. The list of most hated cricketers in international cricket includes legends and modern stars alike, proving that public perception is complex. Players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Shahid Afridi, and Shane Warne are celebrated for their skill but simultaneously criticized for their conduct, making them some of the most talked-about figures in cricket history.