Indian leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam is facing allegations of sexual and physical abuse by a woman from Hyderabad, with the controversy emerging just as the 22-year-old is in line for a significant opportunity in international cricket.
Nigam has been included in India’s Asian Games squad after fellow spinner Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out through injury. He could also make his T20 international debut against Japan in the one-off match, making the timing of the allegations particularly significant for the young cricketer.
According to a report by Indian media outlet News18, the woman recently went to Nigam’s residence and remained there, saying she would not leave until she could meet him in person. Nigam, however, was in Japan with the Indian squad at the time. The woman eventually left the location after being unable to meet the spinner.
The report said Nigam’s father recently spoke to the woman over the telephone. He reportedly assured her that the matter would be discussed after a week. The woman, meanwhile, said she did not want to create a dispute and only wanted an opportunity to speak directly with Nigam.
The woman has alleged that she first became acquainted with Nigam through social media in May 2025. She claims that Nigam subsequently became involved in a physical relationship with her after promising marriage.
She has also alleged that on 29 July 2025, Nigam took her to a hotel in Noida, where she was subjected to sexual and physical abuse. A complaint was subsequently made at the Expressway police station in Gautam Buddh Nagar district. The case was formally registered on 16 December 2025, according to the report.
Nigam has also made a complaint against the woman, presenting a different account of the dispute. In a complaint lodged at Barabanki Kotwali police station on 8 November 2025, he alleged that he had received threatening calls from different mobile numbers and was warned that he would be implicated in false cases.
The conflicting allegations mean that the matter now involves claims from both sides. The allegations against Nigam remain allegations, and the available report does not establish that the accusations have been proven in court.
The controversy comes as Nigam’s cricket career is entering an important phase. The leg-spinner has earned recognition through domestic and franchise cricket and has now moved closer to the international stage following Chakravarthy’s injury.
Nigam has represented Uttar Pradesh in six first-class matches. Although bowling is his primary role, he is also capable of contributing with the bat. In the Indian Premier League, he has represented Delhi Capitals in 19 matches and taken 13 wickets.
For Nigam, the prospect of making his international debut against Japan and appearing at the Asian Games represents a major step forward in his career. At the same time, the allegations and the related legal proceedings have placed his personal life under scrutiny. Further developments in the case, including statements from the parties involved and the progress of the legal process, will determine how the matter unfolds.