Former India Cricketer Jacob Martin Arrested After Luxury Car Crash in Vadodara
Former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin, aged 53, has been arrested following a serious road accident in Vadodara, Gujarat. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, when Martin's luxury vehicle allegedly collided with three other cars while he was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Details of the Accident and Police Action
The police reported that the accident took place at approximately 2:30 AM on Tuesday. Martin was driving his MG Hector car from the Akota area towards his residence on OP Road in Vadodara when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The former captain of Vadodara's Ranji Trophy cricket team crashed into a Kia Seltos, a Hyundai Venue, and a Maruti Celerio, causing significant damage to all vehicles involved.
Officers from the Akota police station responded promptly after receiving information about the crash. Upon arriving at the scene, they detained Martin, who was visibly intoxicated and struggling to walk. The police have registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act for rash and negligent driving, as well as endangering the personal safety of others. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the accident.
Legal Proceedings and Past Incidents
Later on Tuesday, Jacob Martin was released on bail, but his vehicle was seized by the police for further investigation. In addition to the traffic violations, Martin has also been booked under Gujarat's prohibition law due to his inebriated state at the time of the accident.
This is not the first time Martin has faced legal troubles. The Vadodara City police had previously arrested him in connection with two prohibition cases. Furthermore, in 2011, he was held by the Delhi Police in a case allegedly involving an illegal immigration racket. Martin also sustained grievous injuries in a separate accident back in 2018.
Background of the Cricketer
Jacob Martin represented India in 10 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), making his debut against the West Indies in Toronto in 1999. Despite his past achievements on the cricket field, his recent actions have drawn significant attention from law enforcement and the public.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and drunk driving in urban areas like Vadodara. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible driving to prevent such dangerous occurrences.