Vadodara: Vadodara-based cricketer Shivalik Sharma, who was part of the Mumbai Indians squad in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), has been accused of rape by a woman in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The woman, who claims to have been engaged to Sharma, alleges that he sexually exploited her under the pretext of marriage and later backed out of the commitment. A formal police case has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway.
The complaint was filed at the Kudi Bhagtasni Housing Board Police Station in Jodhpur. According to the complainant, she met Sharma in 2023 during a visit to Vadodara with friends. The two stayed in contact after their initial meeting, and a romantic relationship reportedly followed. In August 2023, the woman claims that Sharma and his family traveled to Jodhpur for an engagement ceremony agreed upon by both families.
The woman has alleged that after their engagement, Sharma visited her residence in Jodhpur and sexually assaulted her. She also stated that Sharma continued to have physical relations with her several times, assuring her of marriage. However, according to her complaint, Sharma eventually refused to marry her, citing pressure from his family and his cricket career.
She further claims that Sharma’s family dismissed the engagement, telling her that his rising career, especially after joining the IPL, meant he now had more favorable matrimonial prospects.
Based on her statement, police have registered a case under sections related to rape and cheating. Officials confirmed that the survivor’s medical examination, court statement, and other preliminary legal formalities have been completed. Further investigation is ongoing, and police have indicated that legal action, including possible arrest, may follow based on the evidence gathered.
A left-handed batter, Sharma was picked up by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024 and also featured in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 114 runs in 10 matches. He went unsold in the 2025 IPL auction. As of now, Sharma has not issued any public statement. Authorities say the matter is being handled with due diligence and sensitivity.