Just ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), Mumbai Indians have suffered a major setback as one of their former players has been arrested on charges of rape. This incident has raised serious questions about the team’s strategy and its future plans.
The arrest has created a stir in the Indian cricketing community, leaving fans of Mumbai Indians in shock. The incident has deeply shaken the entire cricket fraternity.
IPL 2025 Overshadowed by Controversy
The player in question is Shivalik Sharma. Although Shivalik is not a part of Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 squad, he was purchased by the franchise for ₹20 lakh during the IPL 2024 season. However, the team later released him.
Shivalik Sharma was born on November 28, 1998, in Vadodara. He began his cricketing journey in 2016 through the Vinoo Mankad U-19 Trophy. He made his first-class debut for Baroda in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season. Despite not being involved in the 2025 season, his name has now surfaced in this major controversy.
What Is the Case About?
This shocking incident has come to light during IPL 2025. According to police reports, a woman from Jodhpur filed a complaint alleging that the cricketer sexually assaulted her under the false promise of marriage, and later refused to marry her.
The woman claimed she met the cricketer in Vadodara in 2023, and they grew close over time. She alleged that the player coerced her into a physical relationship multiple times. When she later visited him to discuss marriage, she was threatened with broken engagement and forced to leave his house.
Police Investigation Underway
The police have launched a thorough investigation and are collecting evidence to proceed with the case. This incident has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, particularly during the high-profile IPL 2025 season. For Mumbai Indians and their fans, it has come as a major emotional blow.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the matter is being treated as highly sensitive. Authorities are ensuring every aspect is investigated to bring the accused to justice. This incident has undeniably tarnished the reputation of the IPL and Indian cricket as a whole.
A Dark Moment for Cricket
This case has become a major scandal in Indian cricket. The fact that such a controversy has emerged just before IPL 2025 has caused significant disruption. The police are continuing their probe with full diligence, and the cricket world is closely watching the developments.