The Indian Premier League is arguably the world’s most famous T20 leagues. It, however, has always been more about controversies and less cricket. Ever since its inception way back in 2008, there has been an abundance of hullabaloo. While cricket no doubt is the heart of IPL, controversies knowingly or otherwise helped IPL raise its profile by leaps and bounds.
Slapgate: In the first edition of IPL Harbajan Singh supposedly slapped Sreesanth after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. The exact cause of the incident is unknown though.
The end of Lalit Modi: The IPL was the brainchild and pet project of Lalit Modi, and the instant success of the league turned him into a household name in India and across the sporting world. In 2010, the IPL chairman was sacked from his post by the BCCI after charges of financial wrongdoing and corruption. After finding him guilty of misconduct, the BCCI banned him for life in 2013 from holding administrative posts in cricket.
Shah Rukh Khan Wankhede Ban: The 2012 incident involved a brawl with security personnel at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It is alleged that he hurled abuse at security staff.
As a result, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) banned Shah Rukh from entering the premises of the stadium for five years.
Spot Fixing: Delhi police charged Rajasthan Royals trio Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan with spot-fixing. Upon investigation, the players were handed life bans from cricket. The scandal rocked the IPL, prompting a crackdown on betting in India and driving a decline in television viewership the next season.
Ravindra Jadeja one season ban: Ravindra Jadeja who is currently one of the leading all-rounders in the country back in 2010 was banned from playing in IPL after trying to sign a new contract with another franchise without informing his team Rajasthan Royals for whom he had played in the earlier season.
Despite all the controversies IPL is the most followed cricket league.
