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Cricket is a sport that has always been widely renowned to be a gentleman’s game and is celebrated for its teamwork and sportsmanship. However there have been several occasions where a few cricketers have concentrated their energy towards personal goals over the team’s benefits.
A few such encounters have come to light where The players have prioritized achieving personal milestones instead of leaning towards what is better for their respective team. Their talents and contribution towards the sport has been undeniable, the actions of these players both on and off the field have spared numerous controversies.
This article delves into the stories of 10 cricketers who have consistently been a target of the label of being selfish.
List of Top 10 Most Selfish Cricketers in the World
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Widely known to be the greatest cricketer in the history of the sport and the ‘God of Cricket’, Sachin Tendulkar has often been labeled to be selfish cricketer for his slow strike rate as soon as he neared his century digits.
Tendulkar has often been attacked by the infamous title for his self centered approach as the netizens blame him for consistently playing in the team despite his lean patch, prioritizing his milestones like hundred centuries over the team’s benefits.
2. Geoffrey Boycott (England)
One of the most prolific batsmen in the history of English cricket, Geoffrey Boycott is often known to be a selfish cricketer due to his self serving style. Boycott has been renowned for his defensive approach and low strike rates which have made him a target of the title. The English cricketer’s controversial run-out incident in 1979, where Boycott probably got himself out deliberately in order to avoid facing the fast bowlers, has been one of the key reasons why he is known to be a selfish cricketer.
3. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s ace pacer has been one of the most feared bowlers in the history of cricket. Known as the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar has often been marred by the allegations of being undisciplined and putting personal glory ahead of his team’s interests. Akhtar’s frequent injuries during Pakistan’s tours against less glamorous teams have made him known to be one of the most selfish cricketers in the history of cricket.
4. Michael Clarke (Australia)
The former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke one of the few cricketers who has directly been attacked by his teammate for prioritising his personal interest over the team’s harmony. Michael’s captaincy style has often been put into question. Notably, his fallout with his teammate Simon Katich has been a key notation for Clarke to be known as a selfish cricketer. Katich openly accused Clarke for his selfishness and divisiveness.
5. Kevin Pietersen (England)
One of the most attacking English batsmen, Kevin Pietersen is widely known for his glorious career.
Pietersen’s insistence of playing franchise cricket league has accused him of prioritizing personal gain over the national duty which has made him to be known as a selfish cricketer. Moreover, Kevin has also been spotted having a fallout with his teammates and team management due to his confrontational attitude.
6. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
The destructive Caribbean batsman, Chris Gayle is widely known for his explosive batting style and charismatic persona. While Gayle’s contribution towards the West Indies cricket is undeniable, the veteran cricketer has been a target of brutal attacks for being selfish. Time and again, Chris has had a tendency of prioritizing T20 franchise cricket leagues over playing international matches for his country which has made him a member of this list.
7. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Australia’s most successful captain, Ricky Ponting is renowned for his remarkable leadership skills and has brought in numerous noteworthy laurels for his home country including the World Cup. However, Ricky has been ruthlessly criticized for his pursuit towards the victory and becoming the greatest captain while often at the cost of his sportsmanship. The Skipper’s win-at-any-cost mentality, has brought Australia the desired success but has also drawn criticism for overshadowing the spirit of the sport.
8. Greg Chapell (Australia)
Greg Chapell has been one of the most exceptional Australian captains in the history of cricket. Chapell’s controversial 1981 underarm incident has marred him to be one of the most selfish cricketers in the history of cricket and has overshadowed his illustrious career as a batsman. Notably, Chapell instructed his younger brother to bowl an underarm delivery against New Zealand to restrict the batsman from smashing a six and was brutally trolled by the netizens as the skipper prioritized victory over sportsmanship.
9. Brian Lara (West Indies)
The veteran West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara has had an illustrious career as a batsman and has been one of the most relevant cricketers even in modern day cricket for his insightful coaching to budding cricketers. Lara has often been attacked by the label of a selfish cricketer due to his tendency of prioritizing his personal goals over his team’s interests. The cricketer remains to be the only to have smashed 400 runs in a test match which is often called as a selfish innings by the fans.
10. Marlon Samuels (West Indies)
Marlon Samuels’ has had an enigmatic career, full of highs and lows like that of a rollercoaster ride. Marlon’s inconsistent performances and controversial incidents and disputes both on and off the field has made him a cricketer who has made his own rules in the game and has consistently breached the moral code of conduct of the spirit of the sport.
Even though these cricketers remain to be one of the most controversial cricket personalities, their efforts to bring glory and success to their teams has been undeniable. Time and again these players have been labeled to be selfish which has significantly impacted their reputation and how they are remembered in the annals of the history of cricket. It is also essential to recognise that cricket, like any other sport, is played by players with diverse personalities and motivations who have a common endgame of thriving for success and glory for their respective teams.
