Top 5 biggest controversies in IPL history

S Sreesanth Crying (Source: Twitter)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become more than just a cricket tournament. It’s a cultural event that brings sport, entertainment, and business together in a way no other league has. With billions of dollars involved, the presence of high-profile cricketers, Bollywood celebrities, and business tycoons ensures that the IPL is always in the limelight. But where there’s money and fame, controversies are bound to follow.

Since the inaugural edition in 2008, the league has seen its share of highs and lows. While it has displayed brilliant cricketing moments and life-changing opportunities for players, it has also been affected by scandals that have alarmed its credibility. From financial irregularities and match-fixing scandals to heated on-field spats and franchise conflicts, the IPL has seen it all. Despite these controversies, fans continue to fill stadiums, broadcasters continue to break records every year, and the IPL keeps growing stronger.

Here are the five biggest controversies in IPL that shocked fans:

5. Harbhajan Singh slapping S Sreesanth during IPL 2008:

In the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, the first major controversy broke out when Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh slapped Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) pacer S Sreesanth after the match in Mohali on April 25. Punjab had comfortably defeated Mumbai by 66 runs, and moments after the game, cameras caught Sreesanth in tears after getting slapped. According to reports, Sreesanth had taunted Harbhajan, who reacted in frustration instead of addressing it in the dressing room.

As a result, Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the season and faced a five-match suspension in ODIs. Over the years, both players have moved past the incident, with Sreesanth clarifying that he wasn’t hurt physically but emotionally, as he had always looked up to Harbhajan like an elder brother. Both the players were also part of India’s World Cup winning squads (2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup).

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4. KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan’s outburst at Wankhede Stadium:

Shah Rukh Khan’s infamous altercation at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the 2012 season still is one of the most talked-about controversies in the history of the league. After Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Mumbai Indians in an away game on May 16, SRK got into a heated argument with security personnel. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) accused him of misbehavior and imposed a five-year ban on him from entering the venue.

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However, the actor defended himself, revealing that he reacted only after security guards allegedly mistreated a group of children he was with, including his daughter. A police complaint was filed against him, but since it was a non-cognizable offense, he wasn’t arrested. The ban was eventually lifted in 2015.

3. Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s on-field altercation:

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, two of India’s most loved and respected cricketers, have had their fair share of heated exchanges on the field. Their first major altercation came during IPL 2013, when Kohli, playing for RCB, was dismissed against KKR and got into a spat with then-KKR skipper Gambhir.

A decade later, in IPL 2023, some heated moments took place again when RCB faced LSG. Kohli had an animated celebration after RCB’s win, leading to a post-match confrontation with Gambhir (then-mentor), who was defending LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq. The face-off saw both players fined their full match fees. However, time has healed the rift.

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With Gambhir now India’s head coach, the two have put aside their differences, sharing a laugh over their shared love for the game and aggressive approach to the game. Both the players have often spoken about the incidents and mentioned that it’s part of the game and are in good spirits.

2. 2013 spot-fixing scandal:

The 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal is still one of the darkest chapters in the league’s history. It began with the arrest of bookie Sunil Bhatia, leading to nationwide inquiries exposing links to cricketers, Bollywood personalities, and high-profile franchise officials. Rajasthan Royals players Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan were arrested for alleged spot-fixing, with suspicious on-field gestures like towel signals raising red flags.

The controversy increased when CSK team principal Gurunath Meiyappan and RR co-owner Raj Kundra were found involved in illegal betting. Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh was also arrested. As investigations continued, BCCI President N. Srinivasan was forced to step down. In 2015, the RM Lodha Committee suspended CSK and RR for two years, leading to the temporary inclusion of Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant. Though all accused were later released, the scandal prompted stricter anti-corruption measures in the IPL.

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1. Dhoni rushes onto the field in anger over the umpire’s decision:

Legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, often recognized for his composure under pressure, had a rare outburst during an IPL 2019 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. The incident occurred on April 11, when CSK needed eight runs off the last three balls in their chase of 152.

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Ben Stokes bowled a high full toss, which the umpire initially called a no-ball for height, only for the square-leg umpire to overturn the decision. This led to confusion and frustration in the CSK camp, prompting a unlike Dhoni reaction.

The then-CSK skipper stormed onto the field from the dugout to confront the umpires. Despite the controversy, CSK secured a narrow four-wicket victory. However, Dhoni was fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the IPL’s code of conduct. Ahead of the IPL 2025, the iconic player reflected on the moment and admitted it was a mistake and sometimes happens during a game.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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