Over the last 16 editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), there have been several controversial moments that have tainted the cash-rich tournament. As the 17th season of IPL fast approaches, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicking off the season in the match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22, let's delve into the top five most controversial moments in IPL history.
1. Face-off between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir rocks IPL
In the previous edition of the IPL in 2023, two of the Indian cricket's superstars - Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir - were involved in an on-field verbal fight that shook the tournament. The incident occurred after the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In the dying stages of the game, LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli on the field. Tempers flared when Kohli and Naveen were shaking hands after the game.
Gambhir, who was LSG's mentor, came to his player's defence and stood up to Kohli. Tensions escalated after Gambhir and Kohli were going at each other verbally with players from both teams surrounding them. In the end, both Gambhir and Kohli were separated but not before IPL received another of its controversial moments.
2. The first face-off between Kohli and Gambhir
Last season was not the first time Kohli and Gambhir were involved in a heated exchange on the field. In 2013, during a match between RCB and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli and Gambhir were part of an angry and animated exchange. The incident occurred after Kohli was dismissed and walking back towards the pavilion. Gambhir had a few words for Kohli as the latter set off for the pavilion.
Kohli didn't hold back and had a few words himself to say to Gambhir. Both players walked angrily towards each other before KKR players stepped in and diffused the situation.
3. Harbhajan Singh slapping S Sreesanth leads to major uproar
The inaugural edition of the cash-rich tournament in 2008 was marred by a huge controversy when Harbhajan Singh, playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI), slapped Kings XI Punjab's (now Punjab Kings) S Sreesanth after a match. Two cricketers, who were teammates with the Indian team, sent shockwaves across the world. Sreesanth was left in tears after the incident unfolded on the ground.
4. MS Dhoni charges onto the field
MS Dhoni, known for his cool and calm demeanour, lost his temper during the 2019 IPL match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Dhoni, who was furious with an umpiring decision, charged on the field of play from the dugout to confront the umpire. Later, the CSK was fined for his action.
5. KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan banned for 5 years
One of the most controversial incidents transpired during IPL 2012 when KKR owner and Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan was banned from entering the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was reported that Shah Rukh misbehaved and abused a guard in the stadium. The ban was imposed for five years on Shah Rukh. The ban was lifted after three years.
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