As Danushka Gunathilaka is suspended from cricket, a look at cricketers who got into legal trouble for non-cricket related crimes.
Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been suspended from all forms of cricket after a Norwegian woman accused his friend of raping her in a hotel room where the all-rounder was present. It was said that Gunathilaka and his friend took two Norwegian women to the hotel where the player was staying in Colombo in the early hours of Sunday. One of the women later accused Gunathilaka's friend of raping her and police arrested him. While Gunathalika is not being accused of rape, he may well be involved in a lengthy matter with the law.
However, he is not the first cricketer to get into trouble with the law for a serious crime. Here's a look at cricketers who got into legal trouble for non-cricket related crimes.
1. Mohammed Shami
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One of India's top pacers Mohammed Shami has been accused of cheating and domestic abuse by his wife Hasin Jahan. BCCI suspended his central contract for a while after the accusation. The case is still ongoing. (DNA File Photo)
2. Amit Mishra
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Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra was arrested on charges of assaulting a woman in a hotel in 2015. He was later released on bail. (AFP File Photo)
3. Navjot Sidhu
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Navjot Singh Sidhu was arrested for a road rage incident in 1988 which led to an individual’s death. The cricketer allegedly got into a scuffle with Gurnam Singh (a 50-year-old) who died on his way to the hospital. In December 2006, Sidhu was found guilty and sentenced to a three-year prison term for culpable homicide. Supreme Court later stayed his conviction and sentence. (File Photo)
4. Vinod Kambli
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Vinod Kambli and his wife were arrested in August 2015 after a FIR was lodged by their maid. She alleged that Kambli and his wife assaulted her when she went to ask for her salary. (File Photo)
5. Makhaya Ntini
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South African speedster Makhaya Ntini on charges of sexual assault and rape in London in 1998. He was in jail for a short period but was later found not guilty. (AFP File Photo)
6. Luke Pomersbach
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7. Rubel Hossain
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The Bangladesh cricketer was arrested and spent a day behind bars after an actress lodged a complaint of ‘rape’ and ‘false promise of marriage’ against him. (AFP File Photo)
8. Shahadat Hossain
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In 2015, Hossain and his wife were accused of "torture and abuse" of an 11-year-old maid. He later surrendered before a court in Dhaka, was sent to prison, and charged with child repression and employing a minor. He was acquitted on the torture charge next year. (AFP File Photo)
9. Shane Warne
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Shane Warne was accused of punching a porn star in the face at one of London’s top nightclubs. However, the Australian rejected the claim saying he’s already been cleared by police. Warne was not arrested, nor have any charges were laid. (AFP File Photo)
10. Mohammad Asif
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Pakistan speedster Mohammad Asif was arrested during his prime in Dubai on charges of possessing illegal drugs. According to reports, Asif was carrying opium. (Reuters File Photo)
11. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aqib Javed and Mushtaq Ahmed
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During Pakistan’s tour of West Indies in 1993, four Pakistan players - Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aqib Javed and Mushtaq Ahmed - were arrested on the beach for possessing an illegal drug, which was thought to be marijuana. (APF File Photo)
