Sledging in cricket is the practice of deliberately insulting or verbally intimidating an opposing player in an attempt to weaken their concentration, thereby causing them to underperform or be more prone to error). Sledging can take different forms, such as being humorous, aggressive, clever, stupid, or sometimes just plain bizarre. It is often used by players to pump themselves up or maintain concentration, while others stay quiet and remain in the zone.

Sledging is most commonly associated with the Australian cricket team, but it is a part of modern-day cricket and is almost universally accepted in all formats. There are no definitive laws to punish sledging in cricket, but if a sledge turns into personal abuse or gestures of racism, then the player in question is interrogated and punished as per the relevant ICC codes of conduct.

Some cricketers have expressed their views on sledging. Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has said, "If theres no sledging, there wont be any enjoyment left in the game." Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir said its fine to do whatever you can to upset the opposition till the time you dont get personal. Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni has described sledging as an art and has said it is fair as long as a line isnt crossed).

In conclusion, sledging is a controversial practice in cricket that involves verbally intimidating or insulting an opposing player to weaken their concentration. While it is almost universally accepted in all formats of cricket, it can turn into personal abuse or gestures of racism, which are punishable as per the relevant ICC codes of conduct.