Former India international Jacob Martin was arrested in Vadodara following an alleged drunk driving incident that occurred late at night, according to local police officials. The former cricketer, who represented India in 10 One-Day Internationals between 1999 and 2001, was taken into custody after his vehicle reportedly rammed into multiple parked cars.
The incident is said to have taken place in the Akota area of Vadodara in the early hours of Tuesday. Police stated that Martin was driving a luxury SUV when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with three cars parked outside a residential society. While the crash caused visible damage to the vehicles, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Former India cricketer Jacob Martin (53) arrested in Vadodara after his car hit three vehicles; police say he was drunk. pic.twitter.com/OFH3S57NSJ— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) January 27, 2026
Following a complaint lodged by one of the affected vehicle owners, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and traffic laws pertaining to rash and drunk driving. The SUV involved in the incident was seized as part of the investigation, and Martin was later produced before the authorities for further legal proceedings.
વડોદરામાં પૂર્વ ભારતીય ક્રિકેટર Jacob Martin નશામાં ઝડપાયો, ત્રણ વાહનોને ટક્કર મારી | Jamawat #Vadodara #IndianCricketer #JacobMartin #Accident #Jamawat #Jamawatupdate pic.twitter.com/C6KnBejWzc— Jamawat (@Jamawat3) January 27, 2026
Law enforcement officials said preliminary checks suggested alcohol consumption, though confirmatory tests and procedural formalities are part of the ongoing inquiry. Police have stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that further action will depend on the findings of medical and forensic reports.
Jacob Martin is a well-known figure in Indian domestic cricket, particularly in Baroda’s cricketing circles. A right-handed batter, he captained the Baroda Ranji Trophy team during his playing career and was regarded as a dependable domestic performer before making the step up to international cricket at the turn of the millennium.
Although his international career was brief, Martin remained associated with the game at the domestic level for several years after his last appearance for India. News of his arrest has drawn attention due to his past sporting achievements, prompting discussions around accountability and road safety involving public figures.
Police officials reiterated that the law applies equally to all individuals, irrespective of their professional background or public recognition. They added that incidents involving drunk driving are treated seriously, given the potential risk to public safety, even when no injuries occur.
At the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from Martin or his representatives regarding the incident. Authorities have indicated that the case will proceed in accordance with standard legal procedures, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
The episode serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of traffic regulations and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drunk driving, particularly during late-night hours in urban areas.
