In a shocking incident that has stunned the cricket fraternity in Vadodara, former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin was arrested by Akota police on charges of driving under the influence. The 53-year-old ex-batsman, a household name in local cricket circles, lost control of his MG Hector SUV near Akota Dandia Bazar Bridge, colliding with two to three other vehicles.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter chaos as the high-end car veered off course, sparking panic among commuters. Police rushed to the spot following emergency calls and conducted a thorough investigation. Breathalyzer tests confirmed Martin was intoxicated, leading to his immediate detention.
Martin’s fall from grace has sent ripples through Vadodara, where he remains a celebrated figure. Representing India in 10 ODIs between 1999 and 2001, he scored 158 runs at an average strike rate, with a highest of 39. Though international success eluded him, his domestic record speaks volumes: 9,192 runs in 138 first-class matches, including 23 centuries and 47 half-centuries, peaking at 271 not out.
In List A cricket, across 101 games for Baroda and Assam, he amassed 2,948 runs with three tons and 20 fifties. Retiring in 2007, Martin transitioned seamlessly into coaching, even guiding Baroda’s Under-19 side. This arrest raises serious questions about his future in the sport, potentially derailing a coaching career built on years of dedication.
As the city digests this news, authorities remind drivers of the perils of drunk driving. Martin’s case serves as a stark warning to public figures: no one is above the law. Investigations continue, with the cricketer likely facing legal repercussions that could tarnish his legacy.