The Indian Premier League (IPL), despite its immense popularity, has witnessed its share of controversies throughout its 17 seasons, casting shadows over the otherwise glittering tournament. As the 18th edition of the IPL draws near, with the season opener between defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22 it's timely to reflect on the top five controversies which marred the glitzy league which sparked widespread debate.
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Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli's fight in IPL 2023
In the IPL 2023, an intense on-field altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir caused a stir during the tournament. The incident unfolded after the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During the final stages of the game, LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq found himself in a heated exchange with Kohli. The situation escalated further when, after the match, Kohli and Naveen attempted to shake hands, and tempers flared. This moment of tension between the two players captured widespread attention and made headlines across the cricketing world. Gambhir, serving as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), stepped in to defend his player, leading to a verbal confrontation with Kohli. The situation escalated rapidly, with both Gambhir and Kohli exchanging heated words, prompting players from both teams to intervene. The intensity of the exchange required physical separation to prevent further escalation. This incident, which became a focal point of discussion, added another controversial chapter to the IPL's history.
When it all started between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir in 2013
The 2023 IPL clash between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir was not an isolated incident, as their history of on-field confrontations dates back to 2013. During a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a heated exchange erupted after Kohli's dismissal. As he walked towards the pavilion, Gambhir directed words towards him, prompting a sharp response from Kohli. Both players then moved aggressively towards each other, engaging in a visibly intense verbal exchange. The situation was ultimately de-escalated by the intervention of KKR players, preventing the confrontation from escalating further. This prior incident highlighted a recurring tension between the two, demonstrating a pattern of fiery exchanges on the cricket field.
Harbhajan Singh-S Sreesanth's slapgate in 2008
During an IPL 2008 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Sreesanth was bowling exceptionally well, while Harbhajan Singh, the captain of MI, was having a rough night. Throughout the game, Sreesanth was vocal in his criticism of every MI batsman, including Harbhajan. KXIP ultimately won the match, and the customary handshakes followed. However, when Sreesanth approached Harbhajan to extend a handshake, Harbhajan struck him in the face. The incident was captured on camera, showing Sreesanth in tears. Following the altercation, Sreesanth left the field crying, while Harbhajan was immediately suspended for the remainder of the season. Later, Sreesanth downplayed the incident, claiming it was more of a push with the palm than a full slap. In time, the two players reconciled and restored their friendship, but Sreesanth’s tearful face remained a prominent image in the media for a long period.
Shah Rukh Khan's alteraction with Wankhede security banned him for 5 years
In 2012, Shah Rukh Khan, the prominent Bollywood actor and owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise, found himself embroiled in a controversy at an IPL match. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) alleged that Khan, reportedly intoxicated, behaved disruptively upon entering the ground. They claimed he mistreated security personnel, particularly Vikas Dalvi, who had advised him against entering the players' changing rooms. Khan, accompanied by his entourage, reportedly attempted to assert his influence, leading to a tense confrontation. Witnesses intervened to prevent Khan from physically assaulting Dalvi. Khan defended himself by asserting that Dalvi had used offensive language in Marathi and that he was simply at the stadium to collect his children. The MCA responded by imposing a five-year ban on Khan, prohibiting him from accessing their facilities until 2017. However, following pressure from political figures and the KKR franchise owner, the ban was eventually lifted in 2015.
When Spot Fixing scandal rocked IPL
The "Spot Fixing Scandal" that emerged during an IPL season caused a significant tremor throughout Indian cricket, with lasting repercussions. Delhi Police arrested three Indian cricketers, S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, on charges of spot-fixing. While the Patiala House Courts later acquitted all three players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a lifetime ban on Ajit Chandila in 2016. Further investigations revealed that Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of then-BCCI chairman N Srinivasan and a principal figure associated with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), had connections to bookmakers. As a result, the RM Lodha Committee suspended the owners of both the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. This suspension effectively barred both franchises from participating in the IPL for a period of two seasons.