**Cricketers Who Faced the Wrath of the Crowd**
Cricket is often referred to as a gentleman’s game, but emotions can run high both on and off the field. While some cricketers are lauded as heroes, others have faced the ire of fans, often getting booed for controversial actions, poor form, or decisions that didn’t sit well with the crowd. Let’s take a look at some cricketers who have faced the harsh reality of being booed in stadiums.
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### 1. **Virat Kohli**
Virat Kohli is one of the most loved cricketers globally, but even he hasn’t escaped criticism. During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia, Kohli famously urged fans to stop booing Steve Smith, who was returning after the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Interestingly, Kohli himself had been booed at various times in his career, especially during India’s tours to England and Australia, where his aggressive on-field demeanor polarized opinions.
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### 2. **Steve Smith**
Steve Smith faced relentless boos from crowds, particularly during Australia’s 2019 tour of England. His involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa led to a year-long ban and tainted his reputation. Even after serving his suspension, Smith was mocked with chants of "cheat" wherever he went. However, his outstanding performances, including a memorable Ashes series in 2019, gradually won back respect.
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### 3. **Mohammad Amir**
Pakistan's Mohammad Amir was booed extensively upon his return to international cricket after serving a ban for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. Despite showing remorse and making a strong comeback, fans in England and Australia were particularly hostile. Amir, however, let his performances do the talking and gradually rebuilt his reputation.
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### 4. **Kevin Pietersen**
One of England’s finest batters, Kevin Pietersen, had a love-hate relationship with fans. Pietersen often found himself at odds with English fans, especially during the fallout with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that saw him dropped from the team. He was booed by home crowds, an uncommon sight in cricket, showcasing the polarized opinions about his personality and career decisions.
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### 5. **David Warner**
Another key figure in the ball-tampering scandal, David Warner, endured hostile receptions from fans across the world. Known for his aggressive batting and fiery persona, Warner often found himself the target of crowd abuse, especially in England. Despite his remarkable comeback post-ban, the stigma of the scandal followed him for years.
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### 6. **MS Dhoni**
Even the unflappable MS Dhoni has faced the wrath of the crowd. During a 2013 Champions Trophy match in Mumbai, Dhoni and the Indian team were booed by the crowd after a disappointing performance. Fans were upset with team selections and other decisions that didn’t yield results, proving that even legends are not immune to criticism.
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### 7. **Ricky Ponting**
Australia’s former captain Ricky Ponting faced boos in various parts of the cricketing world, especially in England and India. Known for his competitive nature and occasional controversies, Ponting was particularly unpopular in England during the Ashes series and in India for incidents like the infamous Sydney Test in 2008.
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### 8. **Stuart Broad**
Stuart Broad became a villain in Australia during the 2013 Ashes series after refusing to walk despite edging a ball that was clearly caught. The Australian crowd booed him relentlessly in subsequent series, with Broad often playfully embracing the hostility. His performances only added fuel to the fire, making him one of the most controversial figures in Ashes history.
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### 9. **Sanath Jayasuriya**
During his time as one of Sri Lanka's premier cricketers, Sanath Jayasuriya was surprisingly booed by his own fans on a few occasions. Poor form and on-field decisions led to dissatisfaction among Sri Lankan supporters, showing that even home heroes can face backlash when expectations aren’t met.
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### 10. **Andrew Symonds**
Andrew Symonds faced crowd hostility on several occasions, particularly during controversies surrounding alleged racial abuse. The 2008 Sydney Test between India and Australia was a flashpoint, with fans and players divided over what transpired. Symonds was booed in various stadiums, highlighting the lasting impact of on-field controversies.
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### Why Fans Boo
While being booed is never pleasant, it often reflects the passion and expectations fans have for the game. Whether it’s a reaction to scandals, underwhelming performances, or on-field rivalries, boos are a reminder that cricketers carry not just their teams but also the hopes and emotions of millions. Some players succumb to the pressure, while others rise above it to create unforgettable moments.
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Despite facing boos, these cricketers have shown resilience and proven that redemption is possible. In the end, the love for the sport and memorable performances often overshadow the jeers, leaving a lasting legacy.