Navjot Singh Sidhu: Difference between revisions

{{short description| Politician and retired Indian cricketer, Currently in Jail}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}

| nickname            = Sherry, Sidhu Paaji

| image              = Navjot Singh Sidhu on the sets of Sony Max in 2012 (cropped).jpg

| birth_place        = [[Patiala]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India

| office2             = Minister of Local Government And Tourism And Cultural Affairs in [[Government of Punjab (India)|Government of Punjab]]

| constituency1      = [[Amritsar East (Vidhan Sabha Constituency)|Amritsar East]]

| term_start1        = 12 March 2017

| office1             = President of [[Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee]]

| 2blankname1        =

| term_start1         = 18 July 2021

| term_end1           = 9 April 2022

| predecessor1       = [[Sunil Jakhar]]

| successor1         = [[Amrinder Singh Raja Warring]]

| office3            = [[Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]

| term_start3         = 25 April 2016

| term_end3           = 18 July 2016

| successor3         = [[Roopa Ganguly]]

| predecessor3       = [[Ashok Sekhar Ganguly]]

| office4             = [[Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]

| constituency4       = [[Amritsar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amritsar]]

| term_start4         = 2004

| term_end4           = 2014

| predecessor4       = [[Raghunandan Lal Bhatia]]

| successor4         = [[Amarinder Singh]]

| otherparty          = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]<br/>{{small|(2004–2016)}}

| module             = {{Infobox cricketer

| occupation          = Politician, [[cricketer]], media personality

| education          = H. R. College of Commerce and Economics<br/> Mohindra College<br/> Panjab University

'''Navjot Singh Sidhu''' (born 20 October 1963) is an [[Indian National Congress]] politician, television personality and retired international [[cricketer]]. He is the former President of [[Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee]]. Formerly, he was the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the state government of [[States and union territories of India|State]] of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Punjab: Navjot Singh Sidhu to take charge of Local Government, Tourism & Cultural Affairs Ministry|url=http://indianexpress.com/elections/punjab-assembly-elections-2017/punjab-navjot-singh-siddu-to-take-charge-of-local-government-tourism-cultural-affairs-ministry-4571855/|website=The Indian Express|access-date=18 March 2017|date=16 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Hindu14Jul2019"/><ref name="ET14Jul2019"/> The [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] gave him a prison sentence of 1 year in May 2022 in a road rage case.<ref name=":1" />

As a professional cricketer, Sidhu had a career spanning over 19 years after his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut in 1981–82. After losing his place in the [[India national cricket team|national team]] following his international debut in 1983–84, he returned to score four half-centuries in the [[1987 Cricket World Cup|1987 World Cup]]. Playing mostly as a [[Batting order (cricket)|top-order batter]], Sidhu went on to play in 51 [[Test cricket|Tests]] and 136 [[One Day Internationals|One-Day-Internationals]] for his country. He came to be known for his six-hitting ability and earned the sobriquet "Sixer Sidhu".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vasu|first1=Anand|title=Navjot Sidhu: From 'Sid who?' to 'Sixer Sidhu!'|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/78755.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 March 2017|date=3 December 1999}}</ref> After retirement, he turned to commentary and television, most notably as a judge of comedy shows, and as a permanent guest in ''[[Comedy Nights with Kapil]]'' (2013–2015) and later ''[[The Kapil Sharma Show]]'' (2016–2019). He was a contestant in the reality television show ''[[Bigg Boss (Hindi season 6)|Bigg Boss]]'' (2012) and was seen in the show ''[[Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa]]''.

Sidhu joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in 2004 and contested the [[2004 Indian general election|general election]] from [[Amritsar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amritsar]] that year. He won the election and held the seat till 2014 winning also the [[2009 Indian general election|next election]]. He was nominated to the [[Rajya Sabha]] in 2016 from Punjab before he resigned from the position the same year and quitting the party. In 2017, he joined the [[Indian National Congress]] and was elected to the [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] from [[Amritsar East (Vidhan Sabha Constituency)|Amritsar East]]. He lost in [[2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election]] from [[Amritsar East Assembly Constituency]].<ref name="Mint2022"/>

Sidhu was born in [[Patiala]], [[Punjab, India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The other side of Navjot Singh Sidhu: Reading, pets and shopping are his passion |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/interview/the-other-side-of-navjot-singh-sidhu-reading-pets-and-shopping-are-his-passion |access-date=22 June 2019 |newspaper=[[National Herald]] |date=18 May 2019 |language=en}}</ref> His father, Sardar Bhagwant Singh was a decent cricket player and wanted to see his son Navjot as a top-class cricketer. Sidhu is an alumnus of Yadavindra Public School, Patiala. He studied in Mumbai at [[H.R. College of Commerce and Economics|HR College of Commerce and Economics]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hrcollege.edu/Web/Index.aspx|title=Welcome To H.R. College...|website=www.hrcollege.edu|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616154955/http://www.hrcollege.edu/Web/Index.aspx|archive-date=16 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sidhu was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] as a member from [[Amritsar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amritsar]] in 2004 on a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] ticket; he later resigned, following his conviction in 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/convicted-sidhus-resignation-accepted/articleshow/708765.cms?from=mdr|title=Convicted Sidhu's Resignation Accepted|last=PTI|date=4 December 2006|work=The Economics Times|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> After the Supreme Court stayed his conviction, he successfully contested the [[Amritsar]] [[Lok Sabha]] seat, defeating his Congress rival, State Finance Minister Surinder Singla, by 77,626 votes. He is also the present president of [[World Jat Aryan Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Navjot Sidhu calls for Jat unity |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070924/himachal.htm#5 |author=Tribune News Service |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |place=Dharamsala |date=23 September 2007 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref> He is a vegetarian.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070311/asp/7days/story_7500936.asp |title=The Telegraph – Calcutta : Look |publisher=Telegraphindia.com |date=11 March 2007 |access-date=23 July 2012 |location=Calcutta, India}}</ref>

He is married to [[Navjot Kaur Sidhu]], a doctor and a former member of [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]].

<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navjot-sidhu-thanks-yaar-dildaar-imran-khan-for-opening-the-kartarpur-corridor/story-SqrixuFHl3s6lHxq7UsTVK_amp.html&ved=2ahUKEwi6zuWSmK7zAhVKwTgGHT7PBDcQtwJ6BAhHEAE&usg=AOvVaw1szV__xhRPH99qHjwYDfbf&ampcf=1|title=Navjot Sidhu thanks 'yaar dildaar' Imran Khan for opening the Kartarpur Corridor|date=9 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-invites-navjot-singh-sidhu-for-kartarpur-corridor-opening-ceremony-on-november-9/story-mq1hpBlB3CCKNc4wjfhbTP_amp.html&ved=2ahUKEwi6zuWSmK7zAhVKwTgGHT7PBDcQFnoECCkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw16qe6UEJMON2fBn1scLQE2&ampcf=1|title = Imran Khan sends Navjot Sidhu special invite for Kartarpur corridor opening|date = 30 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58731162|title = Navjot Singh Sidhu: India's controversial cricketer-turned-politician|work = BBC News|date = October 2021}}</ref> His wife [[Navjot Kaur Sidhu|Navjot Kaur]] is a politician.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Wife Of Navjot Sidhu, Quits BJP|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navjot-kaur-sidhu-wife-of-navjot-sidhu-quits-bjp-1471845|access-date=3 October 2021|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Many times opposition politicians have criticised Sidhu for nepotism .<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{Cite web|date=26 May 2018|title=Backfoot drive: Son, wife not to take up Punjab govt posts, says Navjot Singh Sidhu|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/my-son-wife-have-refused-punjab-govt-posts-am-feeling-light-as-a-feather-navjot-singh-sidhu/story-LSkxcr9ViDYkYUuIgtScCM.html|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu under attack for nepotism now says his family members will not join their posts |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/may/26/navjot-singh-sidhu-under-attack-for-nepotism-now-says-his-family-members-will-not-join-their-posts-1819794.html |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=26 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Agnihotri Chaba |first1=Anju |title=Sidhu seeks ticket for wife,high command fears nepotism |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/sidhu-seeks-ticket-for-wife-high-command-fears-nepotism/ |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=29 December 2011 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amid controversy over promoting nepotism, Punjab govt defends appointment of minister's son-in-law |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/amid-controversy-over-promoting-nepotism-punjab-govt-defends-appointment-of-ministers-son-in-law-312561 |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=Tribune |date=18 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Fellow players from his cricketing career call him by his pet name Sherry.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 January 2017|title=The importance of being Navjot Sidhu, his father's son!|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-importance-of-being-navjot-sidhu-his-father-s-son/story-X4wgjhbJZLXBpJGSKMiMPI.html|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

Sidhu made his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut in November 1981 playing for [[Punjab cricket team (India)|Punjab]] against [[Services cricket team|Services]] in [[Amritsar]]. Opening the innings, he made 51 before he was [[run out]], as his team won the match by an innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Punjab v Services, Ranji Trophy 1981/82 (North Zone) |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/41/41784.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319024553/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/41/41784.html |archive-date=19 March 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was called up to the Indian [[Test cricket|Test]] team in November 1983 after he scored a [[Century (cricket)|century]] (122) for the [[North Zone cricket team|North Zone]] playing against the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 1983–84|touring West Indies team]] the previous month. He was drafted to the Test team as a replacement to an injured [[Dilip Vengsarkar]] for the Third Test in [[Ahmedabad]]. He scored 20 runs in 90 minutes before he was [[Booing#Sports|booed]] out of the ground upon dismissal.<ref name="IndiaToday1">{{cite web |last1=Chengappa |first1=Raj |title=Navjot Sidhu makes a dramatic comeback by hitting four consecutive ODI fifties |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/sport/story/19871115-navjot-sidhu-makes-a-dramatic-comeback-by-hitting-four-consecutive-odi-fifties-799521-1987-11-15 |website=[[India Today]] |access-date=6 August 2018 |language=en |date=November 1987}}</ref> After another modest score in the final Test in [[Madras]], he was dropped from the team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramchand |first1=Partab |author-link1=Partab Ramchand |title=Sidhu at 36 - A Birthday tribute |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/83652.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 August 2018 |language=en |date=20 October 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramchand |first1=Partab |author-link1=Partab Ramchand |title=The Sidhu I will remember |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/78753.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 August 2018 |language=en |date=3 December 1999}}</ref>

Sidhu was recalled to the national team only four years later, for the [[1987 Cricket World Cup|World Cup]]. Making his [[One Day International]] (ODI) debut against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] in the first of the group stage games, he made a 79-ball 73, an innings that included five [[Boundary (cricket)#Scoring runs|sixes]] and four [[Boundary (cricket)#Scoring runs|fours]]. India went on to lose the match by a run.<ref>{{cite web |title=1987-88 World Cup - Group A, Australia v India |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/150630.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |work=Wisden |access-date=6 August 2018}}</ref> After the game, Australia's captain [[Allan Border]] had remarked: "When the bloke hits the ball, it stays hit."<ref name="IndiaToday1"/> In India's next game, against [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]], Sidhu scored a match-winning knock of 75, hitting four sixes and fours each, helping his team record its first win against them in World Cups.<ref>{{cite web |title=CWC Memories: India v New Zealand |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/505777 |work=[[International Cricket Council]] |publisher=icc-cricket.com |access-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806172911/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/505777 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Sidhu scored two more successive fifties, against Australia and [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] (51 and 55 respectively), and in the process, became the first player to record four successive half-centuries on debut in ODIs.<ref name="IndiaToday1"/> He carried his fine form into the [[1988 Asia Cup|Asia Cup]] the following year helping his team regain the trophy. He scored a half-century in the opening match against hosts [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]] before making another in the final (76 off 87 balls), receiving [[Man of the match#Cricket|man of the match]] awards for both performances.<ref>{{cite news |title=India gain revenge and Cup |work=The Indian Express |agency=Press Trust of India |date=5 November 1988 |page=16}}</ref> He finished the tournament scoring three fifties in four innings aggregating to 179 runs and was named man of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Menon |first1=Mohandas |title=Asia Cup: The 30-year journey |url=https://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-article/asia-cup-30-year-journey/100520 |website=Wisden India |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301224304/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-article/asia-cup-30-year-journey/100520 |archive-date=1 March 2014 |date=25 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sidhu made his return to the Test side after five years, replacing [[Mohinder Amarnath]], with a century in first innings of the [[Bangalore]] Test [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 1988–89|against New Zealand]] in November 1988. Batting for 295 minutes, he made 116 in 195 balls, an innings that included four sixes and 12 fours, punishing mostly the spinners, before he followed it up with an unbeaten 43 in the second innings, helping his team win by 172 runs.<ref>{{cite web |title=1st Test, New Zealand tour of India at Bengaluru, Nov 12-17 1988 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16675/scorecard/63493 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=First Test Match, India v New Zealand 1988-89 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153132.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |work=Wisden |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124101645/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153132.html |archive-date=24 November 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Alter |first1=Jamie |title=A brief history |url=http://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/22506933 |website=ESPN |access-date=7 August 2018 |language=en |date=12 February 2009}}</ref> His second Test century came in the Fourth Test of [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 1988–89|India's Caribbean Tour later that season]]. He made 116 while opening the innings [[Retired hurt|retiring hurt]] 30 minutes before end of play on day one after suffering from cramp in the legs. ''[[Wisden]]'' wrote, "Batting securely despite obvious flaws in technique, he reached his century in 324 minutes, off 216 balls, and hit eight fours."<ref>{{cite web |title=Fourth Test Match, West Indies v India 1988-89 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153144.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113195550/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153144.html |archive-date=13 January 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The innings was considered one of his best considering that the Sabina Park [[Cricket pitch|wicket]] was among the fastest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dhaliwal |first1=Ravi |title=End of a controversial yet effervescent career |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99dec25/saturday/head5.htm |website=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |access-date=7 August 2018 |date=25 December 1999}}</ref> He totalled 179 runs at an [[Batting average (cricket)|average]] of 29.83 for the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Records, India in West Indies Test Series, 1988/89, Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=299;type=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref>

Touring [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1989–90|Pakistan in 1989–90]], Sidhu averaged 38.42 in four Tests,<ref>{{cite web |title=Records, India in Pakistan Test Series, 1989/90 , Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=301;type=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref> with his best performance coming in the Fourth test in [[Sialkot]]. He rescued India in their second innings when down 38/4 putting together a century [[Partnership (cricket)|stand]] with [[Sachin Tendulkar]] while making 97. He was named man of the match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fourth Test Match, Pakistan v India 1989-90 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152037.html |work=Wisden |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227103325/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152037.html |archive-date=27 December 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sidhu injured his wrist in the First Test of [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 1989–90|India's tour of New Zealand]] later that season, while facing an aggressive spell of [[fast bowling]] by [[Danny Morrison (cricketer)|Danny Morrison]], ruling him out of the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Test, India v New Zealand 1989-90 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152041.html |work=Wisden |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123003914/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152041.html |archive-date=23 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He had a poor [[Indian cricket team in England in 1990|tour of England]] and [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 1991–92|Australia]] averaging 11.20 and 20.40, totalling 56 and 102 runs respectively, both three-Test series.<ref name="howstat1">{{cite web |title=Navjot Sidhu - Performance Analysis by Series |url=http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerSeries.asp?PlayerID=1591#bat |website=howstat.com |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809073527/http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerSeries.asp?PlayerID=1591 |archive-date=9 August 2018}}</ref> After poor performances at the domestic level, he was omitted from the 16-member side that was selected to [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 1992–93|tour South Africa]] starting October 1992. [[Ajay Jadeja]] replaced him in the squad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Raman, Chetan, Kumble recalled |work=The Indian Express |date=2 October 1992 |page=16}}</ref>

Sidhu was recalled when [[English cricket team in India in 1992–93|England toured India]] later that season. He made his third Test hundred in the Second Test in [[Madras]], scoring 106 off 273 balls while opening the innings. He struck a partnership with Tendulkar who made 165 taking their team to 560 before [[Declaration and forfeiture#Declaration|declaration]]. India went on to win the match and the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Second Test, India v England 1992-93 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/153611.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |work=Wisden |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130053348/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/153611.html |archive-date=30 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sidhu particularly attacked spinner [[John Emburey]] in his innings that included nine fours.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smyth |first1=Rob |last2=Bagchi |first2=Rob |title=India v England - as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/17/india-england-fouth-test-day-five |website=The Guardian |access-date=9 August 2018 |language=en |date=17 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2nd Test, England tour of India at Chennai, Feb 11-15 1993 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16457/scorecard/63599 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=9 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> He aggregated 235 in the series at 58.75.<ref>{{cite web |title=Records, England in India Test Series 1992/93, Most Runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=330;type=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=9 August 2018}}</ref> Sidhu was India's best performer in the ODI series that followed, scoring 287 runs at 57.40. He played two match-winning knocks: a 76 in [[Sector 16 Stadium|Chandigarh]] followed by an unbeaten 134 in [[Captain Roop Singh Stadium|Gwalior]]. He received man of the match awards for both performances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sidhu, Azhar haul India to victory |work=The Indian Express |date=5 March 1993 |page=16}}</ref> The latter innings followed after India were down having lost two wickets with 4 runs on the board. Sidhu put together a 175-run stand with [[Mohammad Azharuddin]] for the third wicket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fifth One-day International, India v England 1992-93 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/150949.html |access-date=9 August 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo |agency=Wisden}}</ref> En route to his century, Sidhu passed 2,000 runs in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web |title=India v England, Charms Cup 1992/93 (6th ODI) |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/57/57044.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008232629/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/57/57044.html |archive-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> After India's series-leveling victory in the final game, Sidhu was given the man of the series award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sixth One-day International, India v England 1992-93 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/150950.html |newspaper=Cricinfo |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127181649/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/150950.html |archive-date=27 January 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

His first ODI century came against [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]] in [[Sharjah]] in 1989 while his 134 against [[England cricket team|England]] at [[Gwalior]] in 1993 was his highest ODI score and the innings which he called his best when he retired in 1999.<ref name="cricinfo">{{cite news |title='Sherry' calls it a day |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/78743.html |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 December 1999 |language=en}}</ref> Sidhu told in an interview that an article criticising his dismal performance changed his cricketing life.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DelhiOctober 20 |first1=India Today Web Desk New |last2=October 20 |first2=India Today Web Desk New |last3=Ist |first3=India Today Web Desk New |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu turns 55: A look at his journey from a cricketer to politician |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/navjot-singh-sidhu-268950-2015-10-20 |access-date=26 January 2019 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

After a string of poor performances in 1983, [[Rajan Bala]], a noted [[cricket]] columnist, wrote an article on him titled "Sidhu: The Strokeless Wonder" in the ''[[The Indian Express|Indian Express]]''. It was an epiphany that changed his life and he started taking his cricketing career seriously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lifeinchandigarh.com/news-views_transformation-from-a-strokeless-wonder-to-a-palm-grove-hitter|title= A Palm Grove Hitter - lifeinchandigarh|website=www.lifeinchandigarh.com|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref>

Sidhu walked out of [[Indian cricket team in England in 1996|India's 1996 tour of England]] citing differences with captain [[Mohammad Azharuddin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lele reveals why Sidhu walked out of 1996 England tour|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/india-in-australia/top-stories/Lele-reveals-why-Sidhu-walked-out-of-1996-England-tour/articleshow/10489326.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=3 May 2017|date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Following this, he was banished from the team for ten Tests by the BCCI eventually making a return in the [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 1996–97|1996–97 tour of West Indies]]. He scored a [[Century (cricket)|double century]] in the Second Test at [[Queen's Park Oval|Port of Spain]], his first in Tests. Coming off 488 balls in 671 minutes, it was one of the slowest in Test history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slowest double hundreds |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/wi/content/records/284129.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> He reached his century on day two,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gaundalkar|first1=Anant|title=The ins and outs of Navjot Sidhu|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/mar/18e.htm|website=Rediff.com|access-date=3 May 2017|date=18 March 1997}}</ref> and after having scored only 94 runs on the third day, reached the double on the morning of day four. En route, he put on a 171-run stand with [[Rahul Dravid]] and a 171-run stand with Tendulkar. The match ended in a draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sidhu strikes |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/153333.html |work=Wisden |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506040104/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153333.html |archive-date=6 May 2011 |date=20 August 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Barring the 201, Sidhu had an average series and aggregated 276 at 46.00 in six innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Test Series 1996/97 Averages, India v West Indies |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1996-97/IND_IN_WI/IND_IN_WI_FEB-MAY1997_TEST_AVS.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref>

Known for his tendency to attack spinners, he cracked eight sixes in 124 against Sri Lanka in 1993–94, and four fifties in five innings against the Australians in 1997–98, deliberately singling out [[Shane Warne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/34028.html|title=Navjot Sidhu|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref>

Some of the nicknames he earned were "Sixer Sidhu" for his prolific batting performances and "Jonty Singh" with respect to his improved fielding in his late career, [[Jonty Rhodes]] being the best fielder at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wctimeline/content/story/78755.html|title=Navjot Sidhu: From 'Sid who?' to 'Sixer Sidhu!'|work=Cricinfo|author=Anand Vasu|date=3 December 1999}}</ref>

| align="center" |1997<ref name="rediff1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/1999/dec/13sidhu.htm|title=Rediff On The NeT: Navjot Singh Sidhu fact file|last1=Menon|first1=Mohandas|date=13 December 1999|website=[[Rediff.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000604215510/https://www.rediff.com/sports/1999/dec/13sidhu.htm|archive-date=4 June 2000|access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref>

| align="center" |1996<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1996-97/IND_LOCAL/RANJI_OD/NORTH/PNJB_J+K_ROD-N_23OCT1996.html|title=Ranji One-Day North Zone League, 1996/97, Punjab v Jammu & Kashmir|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

After he was sacked from [[Star Sports Network|ESPN-Star]] for swearing on air, Sidhu was signed up for commentary on ''[[Ten Sports]]''. He also regularly appeared as an expert on various Indian news channels. Sidhu started to work again for ESPN Star Sports in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=STAR Cricket Unveils a Brand New Hindi Presentation for the India England Cricket Series |url=https://businesswireindia.com/news/news-details/star-cricket-unveils-brand-new-hindi-presentation-india-england-cricket-series/33392 |access-date=14 October 2018 |work=businesswireindia.com |date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014034233/https://businesswireindia.com/news/news-details/star-cricket-unveils-brand-new-hindi-presentation-india-england-cricket-series/33392 |archive-date=14 October 2018}}</ref> He was a part of the team that commentated for ''[[Sony Entertainment Television|Sony]]'' during the [[2014 Indian Premier League|2014 season]] of the [[Indian Premier League]]. This led to a dispute with ''Star India'' who alleged that Sidhu had breached his {{INR}}22.5 [[crore]] contract with them by working for their competitor, and sought a refund.<ref>{{cite news |title=Star India and Navjot Sidhu dispute over 22.5-cr commentary deal goes to court |url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/star-india-navjot-sidhu-dispute-over-22-5-cr-commentary-deal |access-date=14 October 2018 |work=[[Sportskeeda]] |date=4 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030041719/http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/star-india-navjot-sidhu-dispute-over-22-5-cr-commentary-deal |archive-date=30 October 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

Sidhu also figured as a judge on the television programme ''[[The Great Indian Laughter Challenge]]''. He also appeared in other similar programmes, such as ''Funjabi Chak De''. He has acted in a TV series called ''[[Kareena Kareena]]'' as himself. He was a contestant on the reality show ''[[Bigg Boss (Hindi TV series)|Bigg Boss 6]]'', and had to make an exit from the show on account of political grounds in 2012.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://scrutinybykhimaanshu.blogspot.com/2012/10/bigg-boss-6-contestants.html|title=Bigg Boss 6: Meet the contestants|date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/navjot-singh-sidhu-set-to-quit-bigg-boss-6-campaign-gujarat-polls-120952-2012-11-08|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu set to quit Bigg Boss 6 on Friday|date=8 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Navjot-Singh-Sidhu-to-leave-Bigg-Boss-tomorrow-Wife/articleshow/17143335.cms?referral=PM|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu to leave Bigg Boss tomorrow: Wife |access-date=8 November 2012 | work=The Times Of India|date=8 November 2012}}</ref>

In early 2019, Sidhu caused controversy when he was interpreted as supporting Pakistan, in his response to the [[2019 Pulwama attack|Pulwama Terrorist Attack]] that killed 40 personnel of India's border security forces. He was asked to leave season 2 of ''[[The Kapil Sharma Show]]'' that he had been a permanent guest on for a long time, and was replaced by [[Archana Puran Singh]].<ref name="India Today 2019">{{cite web | title=Navjot Singh Sidhu thrown out of The Kapil Sharma Show over comment on Pulwama attack | website=India Today | date=16 February 2019 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/television/top-stories/story/navjot-singh-sidhu-thrown-out-of-the-kapil-sharma-show-over-comment-on-pulwama-attack-1457627-2019-02-16 | access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

Sidhu made a [[cameo appearance]] in the 2004 Hindi film ''[[Mujhse Shaadi Karogi]]'' as a [[Sports commentator|commentator]] during a cricket match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jul/30mujhse.htm|title='Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' is another 'Main Hoon Na'|last1=Verma|first1=Sukanya|date=30 July 2004|website=Rediff.com|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> In the 2008 [[Punjabi language]] film ''[[Mera Pind]]'', he appeared in a pivotal role alongside singer [[Harbhajan Mann]], playing the role of a [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indian]] who returns to his motherland despite living a successful life abroad.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-navjot-singh-sidhu-to-act-in-films-1149293|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu to act in films|date=5 February 2008|work=[[United News of India]]|access-date=1 August 2017|publisher=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref> His most recent film appearance came in 2015 in ''[[ABCD 2]]''; another cameo that saw him play the permanent guest in ''[[Comedy Nights with Kapil]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/abcd-2-review-dance-is-remo-d-souza-s-forte-not-filmmaking/story-kzoPeqxbISzkUq3aHZjfKM.html|title=ABCD 2 review: Dance is Remo D'Souza's forte, not filmmaking|last1=Kaushal|first1=Sweta|date=21 June 2015|publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02gilc.htm|title=Laughter Challenge is back!|date=2 May 2007|work=Rediff.com|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/release/y2k7/nov/novrel12.php|title=Join the Funjabbis on Star One with Mandira Bedi & Navjot Singh Sidhu|date=16 November 2007|access-date=31 August 2017}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/22289959|title=The IPL earns its cricket cred|date=28 May 2012|publisher=ESPN|access-date=3 February 2018}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/tv/behind-the-scenes/entertainment-ke-liye-/On-the-sets-Entertainment-Ke-Liye-/articleshow/6511203.cms|title=Entertainment Ke Liye...'|date=7 September 2010|access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Navjot-Singh-Sidhu-leaves-the-Bigg-Boss-house/articleshow/17171025.cms|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu leaves the Bigg Boss house|date=10 November 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/navjot-singh-sidhu-kapil-sharma-quits-the-kapil-sharma-show-politics-3042290/|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu has already quit The Kapil Sharma Show. Here's the reason|date=22 September 2016|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/navjot-singh-sidhu-will-continue-to-appear-on-the-kapil-sharma-show-and-he-has-a-very-valid-reason-274030.html|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu Will Continue To Appear On The Kapil Sharma Show And He Has A Very Valid Reason!|date=23 March 2017|work=[[Times Internet]]|access-date=1 August 2017|publisher=indiatimes.com}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/navjot-singh-sidhu-will-be-seen-in-this-tv-show-next-tkss-lifetv/1/893217.html|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu will be seen in this TV show next|last1=Keshri|first1=Shweta|date=28 February 2017|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/family-time-with-kapil-sharma-first-episode-he-returns-as-a-boring-unimaginative-oprah-on-a-budget/story-JUtgA139vrg6PkwPeIwqYO.html|title=Family Time With Kapil Sharma Episode 1 review: He returns as a boring, unimaginative Oprah on a budget|date=26 March 2018|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=6 August 2018}}</ref>

Sidhu won on a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] ticket from the [[Amritsar]] seat in the [[2004 Indian general elections]]. After resigning due to a court case against him, he stood again after the ruling stayed. He won a by-election with a good majority. In the 2009 general elections defeating Om Prakash Soni of INC by 6858 votes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.electionplans.com/election/state/india/constituency/2389/200904/ |title=General Elections Results : Apr 2009 : Amritsar Parliamentary |publisher=electionplans.com |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023054108/http://www.electionplans.com/election/state/india/constituency/2389/200904 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was what Sidhu had to say after not being nominated as party's from [[Amritsar]] in the [[2014 Indian general election]].

Reiterating that he has no opposition to the decision as he considered himself as [[Arun Jaitley]]'s protege. However, he was firm on his stand of not contesting from any constituency while accepting the decision, wholeheartedly, announced by the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/navjot-singh-sidhu-firm-on-contesting-lok-sabha-elections-from-amritsar-111506|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu firm on contesting Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar|first=Asian News|last=International|date=15 March 2014|website=Cricket Country|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref>

Navjot Singh Sidhu took the oath as a member of the [[Rajya Sabha]] on 28 April 2016. As per reports, Sidhu was given the [[Rajya Sabha]] nomination in a bid to prevent him from joining the [[Aam Aadmi Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/navjot-singh-sidhu-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-see-pics_1880389.html|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu takes oath as Rajya Sabha member – SEE PICS|date=28 April 2016|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> However he resigned from the [[Rajya Sabha]] on 18 July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-rajya-sabha-amid-aap-buzz/story-oWCoRBXdYAv9BSRg2Jb6JP.html |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu stumps BJP, quits Rajya Sabha amid AAP buzz |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=18 July 2016 |access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>

On 2 September 2016, Sidhu along with [[Pargat Singh]] and Bains brothers formed a new political front - Aawaaz-e-Punjab claiming to fight against those working against Punjab.<ref>{{cite web |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu forms Aawaaz-e-Punjab |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navjot-Singh-Sidhu-forms-new-front-Awaaz-e-Punjab/articleshow/53978835.cms}}</ref>

In January 2017, Sidhu joined the [[Indian National Congress]]. Contesting from [[Amritsar East (Vidhan Sabha Constituency)|Amritsar East]] in the [[2017 Punjab Legislative Assembly election|2017 Punjab Assembly elections]], he won the election by a margin of 42,809 votes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navjot Sidhu wins Amritsar (East) seat by over 40,000 votes|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/navjot-sidhu-wins-amritsar-east-seat-by-over-40000-votes/1/902260.html|work=India Today|access-date=11 March 2017|date=11 March 2017}}</ref> Third on the list of nine ministers who were sworn in was Navjot Singh Sidhu, the cricketer-turned-politician who quit the BJP last year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indtoday.com/amarinder-singh-takes-oath-as-punjab-cm-navjot-singh-sidhu-as-minister/|title=Amarinder Singh takes oath as Punjab CM, Navjot Singh Sidhu as Minister - INDToday|website=indtoday.com|date=16 March 2017}}</ref>

As Minister of Tourism and Local Bodies, Sidhu contributed to the Project Virasat<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/-thatheras-of-jandiala-guru-find-saviour-in-minister/596101.html|title=The Tribune: 'Thatheras' of Jandiala Guru find saviour in minister|last=Amritsar|first=Tribune News Service|date=28 May 2018}}</ref> to revive India's only handicraft on [[UNESCO]]'s list of [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|Intangible Cultural Heritage]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists|title=UNESCO - Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India|website=ich.unesco.org|language=en|access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref> This craft of making brass utensils is professed by the [[Thathera]]s of [[Jandiala Guru]] area, which falls under his former [[Lok Sabha]] constituency of [[Amritsar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amritsar]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rana |first=Yudhvir |date=24 June 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/age-old-craft-of-thatheras-to-get-new-life/articleshow/64715430.cms |title=Jandiala utensils: Age-old craft of thatheras to get new life |work=The Times of India |access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref>

In 2018, Sidhu went to Pakistan for swearing in event of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. At the event he had hugged Pakistani army head [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]].<ref name= TI>{{Cite news|date=28 September 2021|title=From cricket to politics, dramatic moments in Navjot Singh Sidhu's career|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/from-cricket-to-politics-dramatic-moments-in-navjot-singh-sidhus-career/articleshow/86589275.cms|access-date=4 October 2021|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Then Punjab Chief minister [[Amarinder Singh|Amrinder Singh]] criticized him for doing this.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sehgal |first=Manjeet |date=22 August 2018 |title=Sidhu's hug for Pakistan Army chief Bajwa creates fissures in Punjab Congress |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sidhu-s-hug-for-pakistan-army-chief-bajwa-creates-fissures-in-punjab-congress-1320819-2018-08-22 |access-date=5 October 2021 |work=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

On 14 July 2019, Sidhu tweeted a copy of his resignation from the [[Government of Punjab, India|Punjab Cabinet]], dated 10 June 2019 and addressed to [[Rahul Gandhi]].<ref name="Hindu14Jul2019">{{cite news |last1=Vasudeva |first1=Vikas |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns from Punjab Cabinet |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-punjab-cabinet/article28427484.ece |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 July 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="ET14Jul2019">{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns from the Punjab Cabinet |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-the-punjab-cabinet/articleshow/70213132.cms |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=14 July 2019}}</ref> On 20 July 2019, Punjab Chief Minister [[Captain Amarinder Singh]] and Punjab Governor [[V.P. Singh Badnore]] accepted Sidhu's resignation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kamaljit Kaur |first1=Sandhu |title=Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, Governor accepts Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-accepts-navjot-singh-sidhu-s-resignation-1571496-2019-07-20 |access-date=20 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=20 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghazali |first1=Mohammed |last2=Achom |first2=Debanish |title=Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Accepts Navjot Sidhu's Resignation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/punjab-chief-minister-amarinder-singh-accepts-navjot-singh-sidhus-resignation-2072501 |access-date=20 July 2019 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=20 July 2019}}</ref> Later, Sidhu openly criticised the Punjab Government about their handling of the Sacrilege Case, however the party termed it as a diversity of views.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=19 May 2021 |title=As Sidhu-Amarinder rift grows, Congress says no factionalism in Punjab, only diversity of opinions |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/as-sidhu-amarinder-rift-grows-congress-says-no-factionalism-in-punjab-only-diversity-of-opinions-1804218-2021-05-19 |access-date=17 June 2021 |work=India Today}}</ref>

On 18 July 2021, Sidhu was appointed as President of [[Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee]] replacing [[Sunil Kumar Jakhar|Shri Sunil Jakhar]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 July 2021|title=Appointment of PCC President & Working Presidents of Punjab PCC|work=Indian National Congress|url=https://www.inc.in/media/press-releases/press-release-appointment-of-pcc-president-and-working-presidents-of-punjab-pcc|access-date=22 September 2021}}</ref>

On 28 September 2021, Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned as Punjab Congress President. He sent his resignation letter to the party chief Sonia Gandhi. But high command rejected his resignation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 September 2021|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu Resigns as Punjab Congress President|url=https://www.thelivemirror.com/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-as-punjab-congress-president/|access-date=28 September 2021|website=The Live Mirror|language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election]], Sidhu, contesting from the [[Amritsar East (Vidhan Sabha Constituency)|Amritsar East]] seat, lost to [[Aam Aadmi Party]] candidate [[Jeevan Jyot Kaur]].<ref name="Mint2022">{{Cite news |date=10 March 2022 |title=Punjab results 2022: State Congress chief Navjot Sidhu loses from Amritsar East |url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/punjab-results-2022-state-congress-chief-navjot-sidhu-loses-from-amritsar-east-11646905658858.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=Mint |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2018, former Indian cricketer turned politician and current Tourism Minister of the [[Government of Punjab, India|Government of Punjab]], Navjot Singh Sidhu was invited to the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of [[Pakistan]], [[Imran Khan]]. After being attacked over his decision to hug [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]], the [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Army Staff]] of the [[Pakistan Army]], Sidhu claimed that Bajwa had assured him of opening the corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of [[Guru Nanak]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/kartarpur-corridor-mission-for-24-yrs-he-now-sees-hope/641493.html|title=Kartarpur corridor mission for 24 yrs, he now sees hope|last=Singh|first=Jupinderjit|date=23 August 2018|work=Tribune India|access-date=10 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/govt-to-approach-pm-on-kartarpur-corridor/640763.html|title=Govt to approach PM on Kartarpur corridor|last=Singh|first=Rajmeet|date=22 August 2018|work=Tribune India|access-date=10 March 2021}}</ref>

Subsequently, [[Government of Pakistan]] in September 2018, decided to open the [[Kartarpur corridor]] before the 550th birth anniversary of [[Guru Nanak]] for visa-free entry of followers of [[Sikhism]] from [[India]] to [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sikhs-to-get-visa-free-access-to-kartarpur-gurdwara-pakistan/articleshow/65726655.cms|title=Sikhs to get visa-free access to Kartarpur gurdwara: Pakistan|date=8 September 2018|website=The Times of India|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> After the corridor opening was confirmed by Pakistan's [[Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage (Pakistan)|Information and Broadcasting Minister]] [[Fawad Chaudhry]], Navjot Singh Sidhu appreciated his cricket friend [[Imran Khan]] for taking such a great step.<ref>{{cite news |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu thanks 'friend' Imran Khan for Kartarpur corridor announcement |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/sep/07/navjot-singh-sidhu-thanks-friend-imran-khan-for-kartarpur-corridor-announcement-1868906.html |access-date=10 March 2021 |work=The New Indian Express |date=7 September 2018}}</ref>

On 15 February 2019, during an appearance on ''[[The Kapil Sharma Show]]'', Sidhu condemned the recent attack on Indian soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir as "cowardly and dastardly". However, he found himself in a controversy when he went on to ask: "For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation of [[Pakistan]] and can you blame an individual?"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Abhishek |last2=PTI |title="Can You Blame Entire Nation?" Anger Over Navjot Sidhu's Pulwama Remark |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navjot-sidhu-condemns-pulwama-attack-but-follows-up-with-controversial-remark-1994264 |access-date=10 March 2021 |work=NDTV |date=16 February 2019}}</ref>

The comments drew heavy criticism. BJP leader [[Giriraj Singh]] demanded that Sidhu be expelled from the [[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-should-sack-sidhu-from-cong-apologise-before-nation-giriraj-singh/story-szyKs6HwmYv2Xi3EoTxHvO.html|title='Rahul Gandhi should sack Sidhu from Cong, apologise before nation': Giriraj Singh|date=17 February 2019|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref>

On 16 February, it was reported that ''The Kapil Sharma Show'' had responded by removing Sidhu as presenter and permanent guest, with [[Archana Puran Singh]] replacing him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/navjot-singh-sidhu-sacked-from-the-kapil-sharma-show-5587080/|title=Navjot Singh Sidhu sacked from The Kapil Sharma Show after comments on Pulwama attack|date=16 February 2019|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref>

Sidhu criticised India airforce's anti-terrorism operation at [[Balakot]] in Pakistan. He questioned by tweet, 'Were you uprooting terrorist or trees?' Sidhu questioned the purpose of Balakot air strike.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/were-you-uprooting-terrorist-or-trees-sidhu-questions-the-purpose-of-balakot-air-strikes/article26429327.ece|title = 'Were you uprooting terrorist or trees?' Sidhu questions the purpose of Balakot air strikes|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 4 March 2019}}</ref>

In 1991, Sidhu was accused of assaulting Gurnam Singh and causing his death.<ref name="indiankanoon1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1991049/|title=State Of Punjab vs Navjot Singh Sidhu And Anr. on 6 December, 2006|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> He was arrested by [[Punjab Police (India)|Punjab Police]] after the incident and had to spend many days lodged in a Patiala jail. It was reported that Sidhu had an accomplice who helped him in the murder of Gurnam Singh; the name of the alleged accomplice was Bhupinder Singh Sandhu. Sidhu denied all charges against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/navjot-sidhu-surrenders-lodged-patiala-jail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028215937/http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/navjot-sidhu-surrenders-lodged-patiala-jail|url-status=dead|title=Navjot Sidhu surrenders, lodged in Patiala jail|archive-date=28 October 2012|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> Sidhu claimed in court that he was innocent and "falsely involved in this case by the complainant party".<ref name="indiankanoon1" /> Jaswinder Singh, nephew of Gurnam Singh, claimed that he was a witness to the crime and was ready to testify in the [[Supreme Court of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2006/dec/06sidhu3.htm|title=Sidhu to move SC, claims innocence|work=rediff.com|date=6 December 2006}}</ref>

A trial court had discharged Mr Sidhu, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court held him guilty of culpable homicide in 2006 and sent him to jail for three years in the road rage case.

The cricketer-turned-politician and his friend then approached the Supreme Court. In 2007, the Supreme Court suspended Mr Sidhu's sentence and granted him bail. The suspended sentence enabled him to contest the Lok Sabha bypolls from Amritsar.<ref name="NDTVSep2018">{{cite news |last1=Vaidyanathan |first1=A. |last2=Debanish |first2=Achom |title=Navjot Sidhu, Fined In Road Rage Case, May Face Jail; Top Court To Decide |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-may-face-jail-in-1998-road-rage-case-for-which-he-was-fined-supreme-court-to-deci-1915488 |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=NDTV |date=13 September 2018}}</ref>

In 2018, a bench headed by Justices Chalemeswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul let the two off with a fine of ₹ 1,000, because "there was no evidence to prove that that the death was caused by the single blow" dealt by Sidhu.<ref name="NDTVSep2018"/> On 19 May 2022, he was given one-year prison sentence by the Supreme Court in the same road rage case.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-19 |title=SC sentences Navjot Singh Sidhu to one year in jail in 1988 road rage case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-sent-to-one-year-in-jail-by-supreme-court-in-1988-road-rage-101652949612490.html |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

A [[Bollywood]] film ''[[Azhar (film)|Azhar]]'' released in 2016, directed by Tony D'Souza, was based on his teammate [[Mohammad Azharuddin]]'s life and revolves around [[South Africa cricket match fixing|Match fixing scandals in late 90s and 2000]]. Sidhu's character was portrayed by [[Manjot Singh]] in the film.<ref>{{Cite news|last=29 June 2015|title=Manjot Singh to play Navjot Sidhus role in Azhar|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/manjot-singh-to-play-navjot-sidhu-s-role-in-azhar-115062900535_1.html|access-date=22 March 2021|work=Business Standard|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=30 June 2015|title=Manjot Singh to play Navjot Singh Sidhu in 'Azhar'|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/manjot-singh-to-play-navjot-singh-sidhu-in-azhar-1.1542953|access-date=22 March 2021|work=Gulf News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=29 June 2015|title=Manjot Singh to play Navjot Sidhu's role in 'Azhar'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manjot-singh-to-play-navjot-sidhus-role-in-azhar/|access-date=22 March 2021|work=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

 

|title= India squads

|fg= white

|bordercolor=#ff8800

[[Category:14th Lok Sabha members]]

[[Category:15th Lok Sabha members]]