5 Times cricketers were banned for weird reasons

This list features four Asians apart from one Australian.

By Suryesh M

Updated - 21 Sept 2025, 15:46 IST

5 Min Read

2. Shahid Afridi | Biting the ball

Shahid Afridi ball tempering. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Shahid Afridi, fondly known as Lala, was known for his aggressive character of the field. The former Pakistan all-rounder was always in the face of the opposition and enjoyed playing mind games. But on one instance, he did something sheepish that resulted in a ban.

During a five-match series against Australia, Afridi was spotted biting the ball. While walking with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, he performed this action. The laws state that: ‘any attempt to change the condition of the ball through illegal means is a violation of the players’ code of conduct and is liable to punishment.’

Thus, the ICC considered it as an act of breaching the laws. He has handed over with a two-match ban in T20Is. Later, Shahid Afridi accepted that this was a mistake on his part and apologised for the same.

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