The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and exciting cricket leagues in the world. Since its inception in 2008, the league has produced some unforgettable moments and controversies. In this article, we’ll take a look at the five most controversial moments in IPL history.
- Spot-fixing scandal (2013)
The spot-fixing scandal that rocked the IPL in 2013 was undoubtedly the biggest controversy in the league’s history. The scandal involved three Rajasthan Royals players – S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan – who were arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly accepting money from bookies to fix matches. The incident led to a huge uproar, and the BCCI was forced to suspend the players and the team from the league.
- Harbhajan-Sreesanth slapgate incident (2008)
The Harbhajan-Sreesanth slapgate incident that took place during the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008 was another controversial moment in the league’s history. After a match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians, Sreesanth reportedly taunted Harbhajan Singh, who then allegedly slapped him. The incident led to a huge outcry, and Harbhajan was subsequently banned for the rest of the season.
- Kochi Tuskers Kerala’s termination (2011)
The Kochi Tuskers Kerala’s termination from the IPL in 2011 was another controversial moment in the league’s history. The team, which was owned by Kochi Cricket Pvt Ltd, was terminated by the BCCI for breaching the terms of the franchise agreement. The incident led to a legal battle between the team owners and the BCCI, with the former seeking compensation for the termination.
- Lalit Modi’s ouster (2010)
The ouster of Lalit Modi as the IPL commissioner in 2010 was another controversial moment in the league’s history. Modi, who was instrumental in the creation and success of the IPL, was removed from his position by the BCCI for alleged financial irregularities. The incident led to a huge controversy, with Modi accusing the BCCI of conspiring against him.
- Chennai Super Kings’ suspension (2015)
The suspension of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from the IPL in 2015 was another controversial moment in the league’s history. The team, which was captained by MS Dhoni, was suspended for two seasons by the BCCI for their involvement in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. The incident led to a huge outcry from CSK fans and Dhoni supporters, who felt that the team was unfairly targeted by the BCCI.
The IPL has had its fair share of controversies over the years. From the spot-fixing scandal to the ouster of Lalit Modi, these incidents have not only tarnished the image of the league but also affected the careers of players and team owners. Despite these controversies, the IPL remains one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, and its popularity continues to grow with each passing year.
