Hey there! Do you love IPL? Of course, you do! It’s the biggest cricket festival, and players from all over the world come to play. But wait, IPL is not just about cricket!
Well, I think it can be called a mix of cricket and drama! Basically, it means that over the years, IPL has seen big fights, shocking scandals, and crazy moments!
With IPL 2025 starting soon, let’s talk about some of the biggest controversies in IPL history. Trust me, you’ll love reading this till the end!
1. When Harbhajan Singh Slapped Sreesanth (2008)
Well, I think it can be called the first big fight in IPL! Basically, it means that in the very first season of IPL, something totally unexpected happened.
In a match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sreesanth was teasing and irritating Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan got so angry that he slapped Sreesanth right on the field!
Sreesanth, who always looked confident, suddenly burst into tears in front of everyone! People were shocked—cricketers are not supposed to fight like this! Later, Harbhajan apologized, but this became one of IPL’s most unforgettable moments.
2. When Shah Rukh Khan Was Banned from Wankhede Stadium (2012)
Well, I think it can be called the biggest Bollywood vs Cricket fight! Basically, it means that Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), the superstar of Bollywood and co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), got into a big argument at the Wankhede Stadium.
During a match against Mumbai Indians, SRK got into a fight with security guards. Some say he was protecting his kids, but others say he got too aggressive.
And guess what? He was banned from entering the Wankhede Stadium for 5 years! Imagine being a huge cricket fan but not being allowed inside your favorite stadium. That must have hurt
3. When Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Fought—Twice!
Well, I think it can be called the most famous cricket rivalry! Basically, it means that Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir just don’t like each other on the field.
Their first big fight happened in 2013 when Kohli, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), got out and started arguing with KKR’s captain Gambhir. Both players got so angry that they had to be pulled apart!
Then, in 2023, history repeated itself! Gambhir, now mentoring Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), again had a fight with Kohli over bowler Naveen-ul-Haq.
Basically, it means that whenever these two are on the field, fireworks are guaranteed!
4. The Darkest Chapter: 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal
Well, I think it can be called the biggest shame in IPL history! Basically, it means that in 2013, some players were caught cheating for money!
Three Rajasthan Royals (RR) players—Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankit Chavan—were accused of spot-fixing. That means they were paid to play badly on purpose!
Cricket is a game of honesty, and this scandal broke the trust of fans. People were angry and felt betrayed, and it was one of IPL’s darkest moments.
5. When “Captain Cool” Dhoni Lost His Cool! (2019)
Well, I think it can be called the rarest moment in IPL! Basically, it means that MS Dhoni, the calmest captain ever, got really, really angry!
During a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), something strange happened.
- Dhoni got out in the last over while chasing a target.
- The umpire first called a no-ball, then changed his decision and said it was NOT a no-ball.
- Dhoni, who was sitting in the dugout, stormed onto the field and started arguing with the umpires!
People were shocked because Dhoni is always known for his calmness. But this time, he was so angry that he had to pay a fine of 50% of his match fee!