5 famous cricketers who were arrested for off-field offenses

#4 Makhaya Ntini (South Africa)

Makhaya Ntini was lucky to escape a six-year jail sentence

South African pace bowler Makhaya Ntini was arrested for his involvement in the rape of a 21-year old student at the Buffalo Park Cricket Ground in December 1998. Though he maintained his innocence in court, he was found guilty of raping the girl in one of the toilets at the stadium and faced the possibility of a six-year jail sentence.

He was slated to play in the 1999 World Cup, but was replaced by Alan Dawson in the South African World Cup squad. However, Ntini filed a successful appeal against his conviction in November 1999 and escaped the jail term. The court could not prove him guilty, and Ntini walked away.

He went on to play 101 Tests for the Proteas and claimed 390 wickets in the process. He also captured 266 wickets in 173 One Day Internationals.