Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World

Cricket is often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” but the intensity of competition can sometimes lead to heightened emotions and aggressive actions on the field. Certain cricketers are known for their short tempers, frequently finding themselves in the middle of heated disputes, confrontations, and, on occasion, physical clashes. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Cricketers with the Fiercest Tempers, who have garnered attention for their fiery attitudes and intense rivalries.

Here Are the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World

10. S Sreesanth

Indian fast bowler S. Sreesanth possessed remarkable talent, but his anger problems frequently took the spotlight, overshadowing his performances. His emotional outbursts on the field resulted in numerous controversies. One of the most well-known incidents occurred when Harbhajan Singh slapped him during an IPL match. Sreesanth was also involved in constant disputes with umpires and opposing players. His aggressive conduct eventually led to disciplinary measures, including a lifetime ban (which was later lifted) due to allegations of match-fixing. He is one of the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

S Sreesanth’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2008	Slap-gate Scandal	Harbhajan Singh
2013	Match-Fixing Allegations	BCCI Ban

9. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s most accomplished off-spinners, is also recognized for his fiery demeanor on the field. His involvement in the infamous “Monkeygate” incident with Andrew Symonds during the 2008 Sydney Test remains one of the biggest scandals in cricket history. Additionally, he slapped Sreesanth during an IPL match, further cementing his image as a temperamental player. He is one of the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Harbhajan Singh’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2008	Monkey-gate Scandal	Andrew Symonds
2008	Slap-gate in IPL	Sreesanth

8. Ian Botham

English all-rounder Ian Botham shared a bitter, long-running rivalry with Australian cricketer Ian Chappell, with their verbal confrontations escalating into a physical altercation during a bar fight. Botham’s intense demeanor, both on and off the field, earned him a reputation as one of the most intimidating cricketers of his era. His fiery temperament frequently resulted in heated disputes with players and umpires alike. He is among the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Ian Botham’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
1977	Bar Fight	Ian Chappell
1981	Verbal Spats	Australian Players

7. Kamran Akmal

Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was often involved in clashes with players, particularly those from India. His on-field confrontations with Ishant Sharma and Gautam Gambhir during India-Pakistan encounters attracted significant attention. Akmal’s quick temper frequently led to heated exchanges with both umpires and fellow players, earning him a reputation as one of the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Kamran Akmal’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2010	Verbal Fight	Ishant Sharma
2012	Argument with Gambhir	India-Pakistan T20

6. Kieron Pollard

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard is well known for his intense playing style and fiery temperament. One of his most notorious moments came during an IPL match against Mitchell Starc, when, after being provoked, he flung his bat in the bowler’s direction. Pollard’s short fuse has led to multiple on-field run-ins with other players, solidifying his place among the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Kieron Pollard’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2014	Bat Throwing	Mitchell Starc
2016	Argument with Umpires	IPL

5. Javed Miandad

Pakistani cricket legend Javed Miandad was renowned for his bold and confrontational nature. One of the most controversial incidents of his career occurred during a Test match against Dennis Lillee, when, following a heated argument, he raised his bat as if to strike the Australian pacer. Miandad’s intense demeanor frequently sparked confrontations with rival players, earning him a spot among the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Javed Miandad’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
1981	Fight on the Field	Dennis Lillee
1992	Argument with Umpires	Various Matches

4. Andrew Symonds

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds had a reputation for getting into on-field disputes. His most well-known controversy was the Monkeygate incident involving Harbhajan Singh, where he alleged that the Indian spinner directed racial abuse at him. Symonds was notorious for his quick temper and regular confrontations with rival players, placing him among the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Andrew Symonds’ Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2008	Monkey-gate Scandal	Harbhajan Singh
2010	Bar Fight	Australia Teammates

3. Virat Kohli

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is renowned for his fiery temperament and intense on-field celebrations. His animated confrontations with opponents, umpires, and occasionally even teammates have often grabbed headlines. Notable among these are his heated exchanges with Gautam Gambhir and Steve Smith, which stand out as some of the most talked-about incidents in the game. Kohli’s aggressive demeanor has earned him a spot among the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

Virat Kohli’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2013	Middle Finger to Crowd	Australia
2023	Argument with Gambhir	IPL

2. David Warner

Australian opener David Warner is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive players in modern cricket. His altercations with Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Joe Root have contributed to his reputation as a highly controversial figure. Warner’s fiery nature frequently results in tense confrontations on the field, earning him recognition as one of the Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World.

David Warner’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2013	Punching Joe Root	England
2018	Altercation with de Kock	South Africa

1. Gautam Gambhir

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is often seen as one of the leading Top 10 Angriest Cricketers in the World. Known for his fiery temperament, he has been involved in several intense confrontations with players like Virat Kohli, Shahid Afridi, and Kamran Akmal. Gambhir’s blunt attitude and combative nature regularly sparked on-field disputes, reinforcing his image as one of cricket’s most hot-headed personalities.

Gautam Gambhir’s Notable Incidents:

Incident Year	Controversy	Opponent
2007	Argument with Afridi	Pakistan
2013	Fight with Kohli	IPL

Conclusion

While cricket is often celebrated for its sportsmanship and gentlemanly spirit, the intensity of competition can sometimes bring out a different side of players. The cricketers on this list have not only made headlines for their performances but also for their fiery tempers and confrontational moments. Whether driven by passion, pride, or sheer competitiveness, their aggressive behavior has left a lasting impact on the game-sparking debates, controversies, and unforgettable rivalries.