Arshad Khan: From Record-Breaking 6/9 to IPL Stardom and Legal Turmoil

Key facts

• Arshad Khan took 6/9 for Madhya Pradesh against Chandigarh in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the best bowling figures in the tournament's history.
• He was arrested in connection with the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, which killed 16 people in May 2024.
• Gujarat Titans retained him for IPL 2026 at INR 1.30 crore after buying him in the 2025 mega auction.
• He forged an IPL record eighth-wicket partnership of 73 runs with Ayush Badoni for Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.
• Khan was the top wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy with 36 wickets and also scored 400 runs.
• He earned a Rs 1 crore investment on Shark Tank Pakistan as the viral 'Chaiwala' for his tea brand.

A Tale of Two Arshad Khans

Arshad Khan, the 27-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Madhya Pradesh, has become one of the most talked-about figures in Indian cricket — but for reasons that extend far beyond the boundary. On the field, he is a record-breaking bowler who recently produced the finest figures in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history. Off it, he is an accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse that killed 16 people, a case that has led to his arrest and a court denying him bail. The convergence of sporting triumph and legal jeopardy has created a deeply complex narrative. Khan's journey from a domestic cricket standout to an IPL regular with Gujarat Titans is now overshadowed by allegations that he was involved with Ego Media, the company behind the illegal hoarding that collapsed in May 2024.

The Record That Shook Domestic Cricket

In the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Khan delivered a spell that will be remembered for years. Playing for Madhya Pradesh against Chandigarh, he returned figures of 6/9 from four overs, including a maiden — the best bowling performance in the tournament's entire history. He followed that with a Player of the Match performance against Maharashtra, scoring an unbeaten 30 off 17 balls and taking two wickets. His domestic form had been building for months. In the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took 3/5 against Meghalaya. In the Ranji Trophy, he produced an all-round display against Goa, taking 3/21 in the second innings and scoring a gritty 25 to help Madhya Pradesh chase down a target. Against Punjab, he contributed a fluent 60 not out, sharing a partnership with Rajat Patidar.

IPL Journey: From Injury to INR 1.30 Crore

Khan's IPL career began in 2022 when Mumbai Indians picked him, but an injury kept him out that season. He made his debut in 2023 with Mumbai Indians, taking 3/39 against Rajasthan Royals — his best IPL figures. In 2024, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 20 lacs, where he formed an IPL record eighth-wicket partnership of 73 runs with Ayush Badoni against Delhi Capitals, scoring 58 not out. At the 2025 mega auction, Gujarat Titans secured him for INR 1.30 crore, far above his base price. The franchise retained him for IPL 2026 at the same valuation, a straightforward decision given his all-round utility. Ahead of the 2026 season, Khan, along with teammates Kumar Kushagra and Manav Suthar, visited IIM Ahmedabad for a candid interaction with students.

The Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse Case

In May 2024, a massive illegal hoarding collapsed in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, killing 16 people. The hoarding was erected by Ego Media, and Khan has been accused of involvement with the company. The court has denied him bail, and a non-bailable warrant was issued against him. Khan has claimed in his bail plea that he has nothing to do with Ego Media and that the money he received from them was for medicines. Investigators allege that Khan used over 50 SIM cards and several handsets to evade arrest. The case has drawn significant media attention, adding a layer of legal complexity to his cricketing career.

The Viral 'Chaiwala' and a Rs 1 Crore Deal

In a bizarre twist, another Arshad Khan — the viral 'Chaiwala' from Pakistan — secured a Rs 1 crore investment on Shark Tank Pakistan for his tea brand. This unrelated story has occasionally been conflated with the cricketer's name in news feeds, but the two individuals are distinct. The cricketer Arshad Khan's own story is one of remarkable rise: from being the top wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy with 36 wickets and 400 runs, including a century (134) against Assam, to becoming a key figure in Madhya Pradesh's bowling attack.

What Lies Ahead

As the 2026 IPL season approaches, Khan's participation remains uncertain due to his legal troubles. Gujarat Titans have retained him, but the court proceedings could affect his availability. On the field, his record-breaking domestic performances have staked a strong claim for a permanent IPL role, but the off-field allegations threaten to derail his career. The case continues to unfold, with Khan's bail plea pending. For now, the cricketer who once took 6/9 in a T20 match finds himself fighting a different kind of battle — one with far higher stakes.

The bottom line

• Arshad Khan holds the record for best bowling figures in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history: 6/9 against Chandigarh in 2025.
• He was arrested in connection with the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse that killed 16 people; bail has been denied.
• Gujarat Titans retained him for IPL 2026 at INR 1.30 crore, signaling faith in his cricketing abilities.
• Khan's all-round skills were on display in domestic cricket, with notable performances in Ranji Trophy and SMAT.
• He forged an IPL record eighth-wicket partnership with Ayush Badoni for Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.
• The 'Chaiwala' Arshad Khan who got Rs 1 crore on Shark Tank Pakistan is a different person from the cricketer.