5 Indian cricketers who received death threats from the underworld

5 Indian cricketers who received death threats from the underworld. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Cricketers start their careers serving the nation and gain fame by showcasing their skills and unique playing styles to the world. As their popularity grows, they earn admiration from fans and supporters alike. However, with fame often comes danger. Several Indian cricketers have reportedly faced death threats from underworld elements for various reasons. Here let us take a look at five such cricketers who have encountered these threats.

5 Indian cricketers who received death threats from underworld

Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly received death threats warning him not to attend an inter-college cricket meet at Vidyasagar University in Midnapore on January 19, 2017. A letter, addressed to Ganguly’s mother Nirupa and signed by a stranger named Z Alam, warned him against attending the event where he was invited as the chief guest. Ganguly received the letter on January 7 and promptly informed the police and event organizers.

A 39-year-old man, Nirmalya Samanta, was later arrested from Midnapore town in West Midnapore district, West Bengal, for sending the threatening letter. The motive appeared convoluted, Samanta allegedly wanted to prevent Ashish Chakraborty, an MLA from Garbeta, from gaining political mileage by associating with Ganguly.

Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni

Veteran Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni reportedly received threatening letters from Maoist rebels operating in the eastern states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The letter accused them of promoting cricket as a sport for the elite class and leading luxurious lives at the expense of the common people’s hard-earned money. It also targeted senior cricket officials.

However, state police officials, including the Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP), publicly denied having any evidence or information about such threats, emphasising that no such letter or communication had been officially recorded.

Gautam Gambhir

Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly received death threats from ISIS Kashmir. On April 22, 2025, Gambhir received two chilling emails containing the message ‘IKillU’. He immediately approached the Delhi Police, urging them to take swift action. This was not Gambhir’s first encounter with threats, he had faced similar emails in November 2021 during his tenure as a sitting Member of Parliament.

Sachin Tendulkar 

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar faced threats to his life from the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) ahead of the fourth and final Test against Australia scheduled from November 6-10, 2008, in Nagpur. In response, security was significantly tightened at the Hotel Pride near Nagpur airport and the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium at Civil Lines. Despite the heightened security, Nagpur Police later clarified that there was no specific threat to any individual player at that time.

Mohammed Azharuddin

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin was provided with four armed guards to protect his residence in Banjara Hills after receiving death threats from the Mumbai underworld. The callers threatened to bomb Azharuddin’s house and the gym he operates.

The threats were believed to originate from Dawood Ibrahim’s gang, Dawood being a fugitive wanted for the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed over 200 people. Azharuddin was among five Indian players banned for life following the 2000 match-fixing scandal that shook the cricketing world.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.