Scandals that shook cricket — fixing, tampering, bans, and criminal convictions
79 incidents documented
Cricket Canada
12 May 2026
ICC suspended six months of funding to Cricket Canada over governance failures and financial misreporting — 63% of their total revenue.
Multiple franchises
8 May 2026
The IPL's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) submitted a formal report to the BCCI in May 2026 flagging "certain anomalies" observed across the league stage: unauthorised persons had been seen in the team dugout, on the team bus, and at team hotels during IPL matches in apparent breach of anti-corruption Standard Operating Procedures. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the report publicly and warned that "very stringent action" would be taken if violations continued. Separately, the BCCI tightened protocols after reports that certain franchise owners had been seen mingling with players in restricted areas — a specific interaction prohibited under the anti-corruption framework.
Canada vs New Zealand
10 April 2026
The International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit opened a formal investigation into Canada's 2026 T20 World Cup group-stage fixture against New Zealand after a 10 April CBC documentary, "Corruption, Crime and Cricket", aired allegations of match-fixing and broader governance failure inside Cricket Canada. The probe centres on the fifth over of New Zealand's chase, bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa — who had been appointed only three weeks before the tournament — and on a recorded telephonic conversation involving former Canadian coach Khurram Chohan.
Canada vs New Zealand
April 2026
Indian press reporting in April 2026 connected the alleged fixing infrastructure behind the ICC ACU's Canada-New Zealand T20 World Cup probe to international organised-crime figures, with names including Lawrence Bishnoi appearing in headlines. The ICC has declined to confirm any such link and has urged caution; the connection remains unverified by the formal investigation.
Cricket Canada
10 April 2026
The CBC documentary 'Corruption, Crime and Cricket' broadcast on 10 April 2026 included the existence of a recorded telephonic conversation involving former Cricket Canada coach Khurram Chohan that the documentary's producers said was relevant to the ACU's match-fixing probe. CBC declined to publish the full audio in the broadcast, citing legal and procedural reasons; the recording has been provided in full to ICC officials.
Cricket Canada
10 April 2026
Former Cricket Canada coach Pubudu Dassanayake claimed on camera in the CBC documentary 'Corruption, Crime and Cricket' that he had been threatened by Cricket Canada with contract termination if certain players were not selected. The claim is the third strand of the documentary's allegations against Cricket Canada governance and points at administrative interference rather than at on-field fixing.
Zimbabwe / Various T20 leagues
22 April 2021
Former Zimbabwe captain and coach Heath Streak was banned for eight years by the ICC for breaching multiple anti-corruption rules during his time as a coach and player in various T20 leagues.
Sri Lanka
2 April 2021
Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa was banned for six years by the ICC for match fixing and corruption offenses committed while working as a coach.
Pakistan
27 April 2020
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal was banned for three years (later reduced to 18 months) by the PCB for failing to report match-fixing approaches on multiple occasions.
Afghanistan U19
20 January 2020
Afghanistan U19 players reported being approached by suspected fixers during the 2020 U19 World Cup in South Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of youth cricketers to corruption.
Sri Lanka
15 March 2019
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was charged by the ICC for failing to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation and for destroying evidence.
Bangladesh / Sunrisers Hyderabad
29 October 2019
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan was banned for two years (one year suspended) by the ICC for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches by a bookmaker during IPL 2018 and a tri-series.
Various
1 January 2019
The ICC expressed growing concerns about the vulnerability of Test cricket involving lower-ranked nations to match-fixing, as several suspicious matches were investigated.
Sri Lanka / T10 League
3 September 2019
Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Dilhara Lokuhettige was banned for eight years by the ICC for corruption offenses in T10 league cricket.
Sri Lanka U19
15 October 2019
Several Sri Lankan U19 cricketers were banned for match-fixing offences, sending shockwaves through youth cricket and raising alarm about the targeting of vulnerable young players by fixers.
Australia vs South Africa
24 March 2018
Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the third Test at Cape Town, in a plan hatched by David Warner and known to captain Steve Smith, leading to unprecedented bans.
Various
27 May 2018
Al Jazeera released a documentary called 'Cricket's Match Fixers' alleging widespread fixing in international cricket, including claims that pitch conditions at major venues were being manipulated.
Pakistan / PSL franchises
17 August 2018
Former Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed was found to be a key orchestrator in the PSL 2017 spot-fixing scandal and was sentenced to 17 months in prison by a UK court.
Various BPL franchises
10 November 2017
Multiple fixing scandals hit the Bangladesh Premier League, with several players including former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful banned for involvement in match fixing.
Islamabad United / Peshawar Zalmi
10 February 2017
Pakistani opener Sharjeel Khan and batsman Khalid Latif were suspended during PSL 2017 in Dubai after being found guilty of spot-fixing offenses.
Pakistan / PSL franchises
15 February 2017
Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was suspended during PSL 2017 for failing to report approaches from fixers during the tournament.
Bangladesh / BPL franchises
1 November 2017
Several Bangladeshi cricketers including veteran left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak were investigated for their involvement in fixing during the BPL and domestic cricket.
Various
15 March 2017
The ICC cracked down on age fraud in youth cricket, banning several players from multiple countries after bone density tests and document verification revealed they were significantly older than claimed.
South Africa vs Australia
19 November 2016
South African captain Faf du Plessis was found guilty of ball tampering for applying mint-laden saliva to the ball during the Hobart Test against Australia.
Pakistan vs New Zealand
29 January 2016
Mohammad Amir's return to international cricket after serving a five-year spot-fixing ban divided the cricket world, with some praising rehabilitation and others arguing convicted fixers should never return.
Various
30 November 2015
New Zealand cricket legend Chris Cairns faced a perjury trial in London after being accused of lying about his involvement in match fixing during a previous defamation case.
Rajasthan Royals
22 July 2015
Raj Kundra, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals and husband of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, was banned for life from cricket for his involvement in betting during IPL 2013.
Various T20 leagues
24 July 2014
Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent confessed to involvement in match fixing across multiple T20 leagues worldwide, implicating fellow New Zealander Chris Cairns.
Chennai Super Kings / BCCI / ICC
28 March 2014
N. Srinivasan was forced to step aside as BCCI president due to conflict of interest after his son-in-law's arrest for betting, though he went on to become ICC Chairman.
Kenya
1 January 2014
Kenya cricket, once a vibrant force that reached the 2003 World Cup semi-final, was devastated by corruption, mismanagement, and match-fixing allegations that led to its collapse.
BPL franchises
1 February 2014
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood reported a corruption approach during the Bangladesh Premier League, highlighting the vulnerability of T20 leagues to fixing.
Scottish cricket clubs
28 February 2014
Pakistani-born cricketer Naved Arif was found guilty of spot-fixing in Scottish domestic cricket, receiving a five-year ban from Cricket Scotland.
South Africa vs Australia
19 February 2014
South African fast bowler Vernon Philander was found guilty of ball tampering during the second Test against Australia at Port Elizabeth and fined 75% of his match fee.
Rajasthan Royals vs Various
16 May 2013
Three Rajasthan Royals players - S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila - were arrested by Delhi Police for spot-fixing in IPL 2013, agreeing to concede a set number of runs in specific overs.
Chennai Super Kings
24 May 2013
Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of BCCI president N. Srinivasan and team principal of Chennai Super Kings, was arrested for betting on IPL matches.
South Africa vs Pakistan
15 October 2013
Faf du Plessis was caught on camera rubbing the ball against the zipper of his trouser pocket during a Test against Pakistan, constituting ball tampering.
Essex County Cricket Club
20 June 2012
Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was found guilty of spot-fixing while playing for Essex in county cricket, having encouraged teammate Mervyn Westfield to underperform in exchange for payment.
South Africa
13 June 2012
South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell admitted to meeting a bookmaker during the IPL but claimed he did not engage in any corrupt activity.
South Africa / IPL franchise
1 May 2012
South African batsman JP Duminy reported that he was approached by a suspected bookmaker during IPL 2012, and was praised for following proper reporting procedures.
Kochi Tuskers Kerala
10 September 2011
Kochi Tuskers Kerala, an IPL franchise that played only one season, was terminated by the BCCI due to ownership disputes, financial irregularities, and allegations of improper political connections.
India vs Sri Lanka
2 April 2011
Former Sri Lankan sports minister alleged that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed, triggering an investigation by Sri Lanka Cricket and the ICC.
England vs Pakistan
26 August 2010
Pakistani captain Salman Butt, bowler Mohammad Amir, and bowler Mohammad Asif were caught in a News of the World sting arranging deliberate no-balls at precise moments during the Lord's Test.
IPL / BCCI
26 April 2010
IPL founder Lalit Modi was suspended by the BCCI and later fled to London amid allegations of financial irregularities, tax evasion, and rigging the bidding process for IPL teams.
Pakistan vs Australia
1 February 2010
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was caught on camera biting the ball during an ODI against Australia, one of the most bizarre ball-tampering incidents in cricket history.
West Indies
15 May 2008
West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels was banned for two years by the ICC for providing information to a bookmaker during a series against India in 2007.
New Zealand / ICL
1 October 2008
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum reported that teammate Chris Cairns had approached him about match fixing during the Indian Cricket League in 2008.
Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab
25 April 2008
Harbhajan Singh was caught on camera slapping Sreesanth after an IPL match, leading to Harbhajan's suspension and a tearful Sreesanth becoming a viral image.
England vs Pakistan
20 August 2006
Pakistan forfeited a Test match at The Oval after umpire Darrell Hair penalized them five runs for ball tampering, leading to Pakistan refusing to take the field.
India vs Australia
20 January 2004
Indian batsman Rahul Dravid was caught on camera applying what appeared to be a lozenge or cough sweet to the ball during the Adelaide Test against Australia.
Kenya
1 September 2004
Kenyan all-rounder Maurice Odumbe was banned for five years by the ICC for having an unexplained relationship with a bookmaker.
England vs South Africa
26 July 2004
South Africa were accused of ball tampering during the third Test against England at The Oval in 2004, with the ball being replaced by umpires.
Pakistan vs Various
1 March 2003
Pakistan captain Waqar Younis came under scrutiny during the 2003 World Cup for bowling an unusually high number of no-balls, raising suspicions of spot-fixing.
Australia
11 February 2003
Shane Warne was sent home from the 2003 World Cup after testing positive for a banned diuretic, receiving a one-year ban from cricket.
Various
1 May 2001
Sir Paul Condon's landmark report for the ICC confirmed that match fixing was a global problem in cricket, leading to the establishment of the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.
India vs South Africa
16 November 2001
Sachin Tendulkar was charged with ball tampering by match referee Mike Denness during a Test in South Africa, causing a diplomatic crisis between India and the ICC.
South Africa vs Various
7 April 2000
Hansie Cronje, South Africa's captain, was exposed as a match-fixer after Delhi Police intercepted phone calls to Indian bookmaker Sanjay Chawla in April 2000. He received a life ban; South African cricket was devastated.
India vs Various
5 December 2000
Indian all-rounder Ajay Jadeja was banned for five years by the BCCI after CBI investigation found evidence of links with bookmakers — the most high-profile cricketer caught in India's 2000 match-fixing purge alongside Azharuddin.
South Africa vs India
2000-04-07
On April 7, 2000, the Delhi police Crime Branch announced they had recordings of South African captain Hansie Cronje discussing match-fixing arrangements with London-based Indian bookmaker Sanjeev Chawla. The wiretap had been placed for an extortion case unrelated to cricket. A police officer's son recognised Cronje's voice on a tape brought home — and the biggest scandal in cricket history began.
Multiple — international
2000-11-01
Once a Syndicate Bank clerk in Delhi, Mukesh Kumar Gupta — alias 'MK' alias 'John' — became the most consequential bookmaker in cricket's match-fixing era. After Hansie Cronje named him in April 2000, Gupta walked into the Central Bureau of Investigation in Delhi, gave a detailed statement, and named Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Manoj Prabhakar, Salim Malik, Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Aravinda de Silva and others as cricketers he had paid for information or under-performance.
Pakistan
2000-05-23
Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum, a Lahore High Court judge, was appointed in September 1998 to investigate match-fixing allegations against the Pakistan team. Over 13 months he heard nearly 70 witnesses including Mark Taylor, Shane Warne, Tim May, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Salim Malik. The report was completed in October 1999 but only published on May 23, 2000 — banning Salim Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman for life and fining Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Inzamam, Akram Raza and Saeed Anwar.
South Africa vs England
18 January 2000
Hansie Cronje engineered a contrived result at Centurion after rain had washed out most of the Test, later revealed to have been done at the behest of a bookmaker in exchange for a leather jacket and cash.
India vs Various
5 December 2000
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin was banned for life by the BCCI after the CBI found evidence of his involvement in match fixing, based on revelations from the Hansie Cronje investigation.
Pakistan vs Various
23 May 2000
Pakistani batsman Saleem Malik became the first international cricketer to be banned for life for match fixing, after Justice Qayyum's inquiry found him guilty of offering bribes to Australian players.
South Africa vs India
19 March 2000
Hansie Cronje offered Herschelle Gibbs $15,000 to score fewer than 20 runs in an ODI against India. Gibbs agreed but then scored 74, failing to carry out the fix.
Pakistan vs Various
1 May 2000
Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was named in the Justice Qayyum report as being unable to be exonerated from match-fixing allegations, though he escaped a ban.
Pakistan vs Various
23 May 2000
Pakistani fast bowler Ata-ur-Rehman received a life ban following the Qayyum Commission findings, becoming the second Pakistani cricketer banned for life along with Saleem Malik.
South Africa vs India
9 March 2000
Delhi Police intercepted phone calls revealing Hansie Cronje had been in contact with bookmaker Sanjay Chawla during the 2000 India tour of South Africa, sparking the global match-fixing crisis.
Pakistan vs Various
1 June 1999
Leaked audio cassettes containing conversations between Pakistani players and bookmakers provided crucial evidence for the Qayyum Commission and proved fixing in Pakistani cricket.
Australia
1998-12-08
On December 8, 1998, the Australian Cricket Board revealed that Mark Waugh and Shane Warne had been fined in 1995 for accepting cash from an Indian bookmaker named 'John' (later identified as Mukesh Gupta) in exchange for pitch and weather information. The ACB had concealed the fines for three years. The cover-up became a bigger scandal than the original incident.
Various
1 January 1998
Sharjah cricket, which hosted numerous ODI tournaments from 1985 to 2003, became widely associated with match fixing, with allegations of underworld figures including Dawood Ibrahim influencing results.
India vs Various
1 May 1997
Former Indian all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar alleged widespread fixing in Indian cricket and claimed Kapil Dev had offered him money to underperform, triggering a major investigation.
Australia vs Various
9 December 1998
Australian stars Shane Warne and Mark Waugh admitted to accepting money from an Indian bookmaker known as 'John' in exchange for pitch and weather information during the 1994 tour to Sri Lanka.
Pakistan vs Australia
1994-10-11
On the eve of the Karachi Test in October 1994, Pakistan captain Salim Malik allegedly approached Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and Tim May with bribes of around US$200,000 each to underperform. Australia lost the Test by one wicket. Malik denied everything for years; Justice Qayyum's 2000 report found him guilty and banned him for life.
England vs South Africa
23 July 1994
England captain Mike Atherton was caught on camera applying dirt from his pocket to the ball during the Lord's Test against South Africa, leading to a fine and a crisis of confidence.
Various county sides
1865-08-01
Despite MCC's attempts to reduce gambling on cricket through the 1840s and 1850s, county cricket in the 1860s still operated in a culture where betting was widespread and where allegations of arranged results circulated freely among those closest to the game. Several county fixtures of the decade generated suspicion among contemporaries that the outcome had been agreed in advance, though the absence of formal investigation meant that no players were ever charged.
Various
1852-01-01
Through the first half of the nineteenth century gambling on cricket had been endemic — matches were arranged with betting as the primary purpose, and some were fixed to ensure the desired result. By the 1850s the gambling culture had declined sharply under Victorian moral pressure, the rise of professional touring cricket and the growing influence of the MCC, which increasingly discouraged wagering at Lord's. The 1850s were the decade in which cricket gambling moved from mainstream to disreputable.
n/a
1820-05-01
William Lambert of Surrey, the leading professional batsman of the 1810s and Squire Osbaldeston's regular single-wicket partner, was banned from Lord's for life in 1817 for allegedly throwing the England v Nottingham match — making him the first cricketer banned for match-fixing in history. His exile cast a long shadow over the 1820s, contributing to Osbaldeston's own resignation and to MCC's hostility to professional self-organisation.
n/a
1817-09-22
On 22 September 1817 William Lambert — by then the leading professional cricketer in England — appeared before the MCC committee at the Mary-Le-Bone Tavern and admitted accepting money to underperform in a single-wicket match. The committee voted his ban the following morning. Lambert never played in major cricket again. His confession is the founding document of cricket's anti-corruption record.
MCC committee vs William Lambert
1817-07-26
Three weeks after scoring the first two centuries in a single match, William Lambert was banned from Lord's by the MCC committee on a charge of having deliberately underperformed in an earlier England v Nottingham match in which both sides had been suspected of arranging the result. The evidence was gathered by Lord Frederick Beauclerk, his old enemy from the 1810 single-wicket affair. Lambert never played senior cricket again. He was, in effect, the first cricketer banned for match-fixing.