The Dark Side of Cricket: Match-Fixing, Pressure & Burnout
While cricket is celebrated for its glorious moments, thrilling matches, and national pride, there’s a dark side that often doesn’t make headlines. One of the biggest scandals in cricket history involves match-fixing. From Hansie Cronje to spot-fixing in the IPL and domestic leagues, these moments shook the very foundation of trust between players and fans. The idea that matches could be manipulated for money breaks hearts. But that’s not all. Today’s cricket calendar is packed — international matches, IPL, BBL, CPL, and other franchise leagues leave very little rest for players. Many of them suffer from mental burnout, anxiety, and even depression. Players like Glenn Maxwell, Ben Stokes, and Sarah Taylor have bravely spoken about needing mental health breaks. In a world where one bad match can result in trolling, memes, or even abuse on social media, the pressure is intense. Some players go into hiding or delete their online accounts just to avoid negativity. Additionally, young crick...