Who has taken the most no-ball wickets in cricket history? 

Introduction:

Cricket is a game known for its diverse records, from the most runs to the most wickets, centuries to catches. However, there's another, somewhat unconventional record that often goes unnoticed: the most wickets taken off no-balls. No-balls, while providing the batsmen with an extra run and an additional delivery, have occasionally led to wickets as well. In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 bowlers who have taken the most no-ball wickets in cricket history.

1-  Courtney Walsh (West Indies) - 43 No-Ball Wickets:

The legendary West Indian fast bowler, Courtney Walsh, holds the record for the most wickets taken off no-balls in cricket history. His remarkable career spanned over 17 years, and his fiery pace occasionally led to overstepping the crease, resulting in no-ball wickets.

2-  Glenn McGrath (Australia) - 41 No-Ball Wickets:

Glenn McGrath, one of Australia's greatest fast bowlers, is next on the list. His accuracy and precision were impeccable, but even the best occasionally err, leading to wickets from no-balls.

3-  Kapil Dev (India) - 35 No-Ball Wickets:

Kapil Dev, India's World Cup-winning captain and an all-time great, also holds a significant number of wickets off no-balls. His aggressive pace and occasional overstepping contributed to this unusual record.

4-  Shane Warne (Australia) - 32 No-Ball Wickets:

The legendary Australian spinner, Shane Warne, was known for his wizardry with the ball. However, his rare no-balls occasionally yielded wickets, adding a unique facet to his illustrious career.

5-  Waqar Younis (Pakistan) - 30 No-Ball Wickets:

Waqar Younis, one of Pakistan's finest fast bowlers, is renowned for his ability to swing the ball at great pace. Yet, his pace and aggression occasionally resulted in wickets from overstepping the crease.


6-  Wasim Akram (Pakistan) - 29 No-Ball Wickets:

Wasim Akram, a left-arm swing maestro, also features on this list. His propensity to deliver unplayable deliveries occasionally led to no-ball wickets, adding an unusual twist to his remarkable career.

7-  Imran Khan (Pakistan) - 28 No-Ball Wickets:

Another Pakistani legend, Imran Khan, had a knack for picking up wickets from overstepping. His remarkable all-round skills extended to this unique record as well.

8-  Kapil Dev (India) - 27 No-Ball Wickets:

Kapil Dev makes a second appearance on this list, highlighting the occasional overstepping that punctuated his otherwise brilliant career.

9-  Shane Bond (New Zealand) - 26 No-Ball Wickets:

The New Zealand speedster, Shane Bond, was known for his express pace. While he was not a frequent overstepper, some of his no-balls resulted in wickets, earning him a place in this record.

10-  Allan Donald (South Africa) - 25 No-Ball Wickets:

Allan Donald, South Africa's "White Lightning," is the final entrant on this list. His ferocious pace occasionally led to no-ball wickets, contributing to his remarkable career.

Conclusion:

While these bowlers are celebrated for their remarkable cricketing achievements, it's interesting to note this less-acknowledged facet of their careers. No-ball wickets, although unusual, have added a unique chapter to the rich history of cricket. It is a testament to the unpredictability and quirkiness of the game, where even the finest bowlers occasionally falter, leading to unexpected wickets.