Top 5 infamous moments of assault charges against cricketers

Cricket has witnessed several off-field controversies over the years, with a handful of players becoming involved in assault-related legal cases that attracted widespread public attention. While some were acquitted after trial or appeal, others remain under investigation or involved in incidents where they were the victims rather than the accused.

Here are five of the most discussed assault-related cases involving international cricketers:

Danushka Gunathilaka (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka faced one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent cricket history after being arrested in Sydney, Australia, in November 2022. He was initially charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent following a Tinder date. As the investigation progressed, prosecutors dropped three of the charges, leaving one allegation relating to stealthing.

The case proceeded to trial before the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. In September 2023, the court found Gunathilaka not guilty. The judge ruled that the evidence indicated the sexual intercourse had been continuous, concluding there was no opportunity for the alleged removal of the condom as claimed. Following the acquittal, Sri Lanka Cricket lifted the suspension that had been imposed on him at the time of his arrest, making him eligible to return to competitive cricket.