IPL and controversies have gone hand in hand over the years. The tournament is the best in terms of franchise cricket leagues and also the best in terms of controversies attached to it. Every season there is a new controversy that comes along and hogs the limelight throughout the tournament. Ahead of a new season, we take a look at the top IPL controversies which has marred the spirit of the game a few times and brought up several questions regarding sportsmanship spirit and many more.
The IPL 2021 is all about to kick off April 9 at six venues throughout India. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Playoffs as well as the final on 30th May 2021. Each team is set to play at four venues during the league stage. Out of the 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata & Bengaluru will host 10 matches each while Ahmedabad and Delhi will host 8 matches each.
Here is a Look at The Top IPL Controversies
Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli
Indian teammates Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were tough rivals on the field. In a 2013 KKR vs RCB IPL game, things gout out of hand when Gambhir and Kohli got involved in a verbal spat after Kohli was dismissed. The RCB skipper was dismissed for 35. Gambhir’s emotions came out, seeing which Kohli got angry and had a face off against each other. Former KKR player Rajat Bhatia then came to the rescue and brought the situation under control. It became one of the most talked-about controversies till date in the tournament.
Also Read: Watch: When Jasprit Bumrah Got His Maiden IPL Wicket For Mumbai Indians
When Sharukh Khan Was Banned From Entering Wankhede Stadium
2012 was KKR’s first title-winning season. However, it came after their owner Sharukh Khan was banned from entering Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. In 2012, King Khan was banned from gracing the monumental Wankhede Stadium in the wake of his alleged scuffle with security guards. The ban was stood for five years and was finally released in 2017. Though the Bollywood actor is a much-loved celebrity across India, the Mumbai police did not spare him after he was involved in an intense altercation with the security guards of the stadium.
MS Dhoni Loses His Cool
What a career MS Dhoni has had. Stellar career as a batsman, keeper and captain. Such a huge figure in Indian & world cricket.
World Cup 2011 the pinnacle you’d think, but I still smile at his storming the field in the IPL when CSK played RR!!! Crowd going nuts! pic.twitter.com/RxfywjjQgM
— 🗡️Charles Dagnall 🗡️ (@CharlesDagnall) August 15, 2020
In an IPL game against Rajasthan Royals in 2018, the world got to know the angry side of MS Dhoni. CSK needed 152 to win the game while chasing and the drama unfolded with eight runs needed from three balls in the last over. Ben Stokes bowled a waist-high full toss which was called a no-ball by the umpire at the bowler’s end while the call was denied by third umpire Bruce Oxenford. This created a lot of confusion which saw MS Dhoni storm onto the field after the initial decision was overturned. He was angry with the officials and expressed the same as well. Although CSK won the match, Dhoni was fined half of his match fees.
Also Read: Top 5 Controversial Umpiring Decisions In IPL History
Ravichandran Ashwin ‘Mankading’ Jos Buttler
Ashwin mankading Buttler kickstarted an array of controversies in the 2018 season. Among the modern legends of the game, Ashwin ran out Buttler after the English wicketkeeper-batsman left his crease even before the ball was delivered. The decision was referred to the third umpire who ruled it in favour of the bowler.
https://twitter.com/DreadHeadEdTV/status/1110474518156447745?s=20
Ashwin’s actions were hugely criticised by the cricket experts who even said that what even said that whet he did was against the spirit of the game. But Ashwin on his part did not shy away from saying that what he did was within the rules of the game. In the next two seasons, he warned several other batsmen from leaving their crease way too early.
Also Read: 5 Controversial Dismissals In IPL History
Anushka Sharma Schools Sunil Gavaskar
https://twitter.com/sacredutd/status/1309525253572276225?s=20
In the IPL 2020 season, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar’s words in the commentary box were misinterpreted and it was shown as if he tried to disrespect Anuskha Sharma. The Bollywood actress severely went down on Gavaskar for his distasteful remarks. She even wrote formally to Gavaskar explaining her side of the story. The former Indian skipper on his behalf came out with his clarification as well.
“I did not make any sexist comment. I said Virat Kohli didn’t get time to practice during lockdown. We all saw how Virat Kohli was practicing on his terrace and Anushka was bowling to him. I just said Virat only got chance to practice on Anushka’s bowling.”
Also Read: Top Controversies Of IPL 2020: From Suresh Raina Pull-Out To Anushka Sharma Slamming Sunil Gavaskar