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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world. Since its inception in 2008, IPL has revolutionized cricket and brought it to millions of new fans. However, along with the glitz and glamour of IPL, there have also been several controversies and scandals that have marred the tournament over the years. According to cricket news in this article, we will look at some of the major controversies and scandals that have rocked the IPL.
The biggest controversy to hit IPL was the 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal. Three Rajasthan Royals players - S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan were arrested for spot-fixing in IPL 2013. It was alleged that they deliberately conceded extra runs in specific deliveries in exchange for money from bookies. This rocked the IPL and cricket. In 2016, another spot-fixing scandal emerged where Delhi Daredevils players like Quinton de Kock, and JP Duminy were under the scanner. Several bookies and players have also been banned by the BCCI for their involvement in match or spot-fixing over the years in the IPL.
In 2013, the then-team principal and CEO of Chennai Super Kings, Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested for placing bets on IPL matches through Vindoo Dara Singh, a known bookie. It was alleged that Meiyappan had placed bets on CSK matches through bookies. He was found guilty of being involved in the offense of betting and was banned for life by the BCCI from any cricket-related activities in 2015. This was a huge blow as CSK was one of the most successful franchises at that time.
Due to the involvement of their top officials in the betting scandals, two IPL teams - Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years in 2015 and 2016 respectively by the Supreme Court. This was done on the recommendations of the Mudgal committee which had probed the betting scandals. The suspension of these big franchises due to the involvement of their top bosses shook the IPL.
In 2010, there was a huge controversy when Mumbai Indians coach Lalchand Rajput was sacked mid-season and replaced by Anil Kumble. It was alleged that Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani had interfered in the team's decision-making and forced the coach to change. Kumble had refused to work under the conditions and resigned before the end of the season. This brought to fore the influence of powerful owners in IPL teams.
As per today's ipl match news, there have been allegations of cronyism and nepotism in IPL teams when it comes to selecting players. Relatives and friends of some team owners and officials have been picked in the playing XI or as support staff despite having limited cricketing credentials. This is seen as a misuse of power and influence. Some feel that at times deserving players miss out due to the prevalence of cronyism.
In IPL 2018, there was a huge umpiring howler where a caught-behind appeal against Sunrisers Hyderabad's Shikhar Dhawan was turned down. However, the replays clearly showed that the ball had hit his gloves. The fact that there was no provision for a Decision Review System (DRS) or third umpire review in IPL led to severe criticism of the organizers. It took this major gaffe for the BCCI to finally introduce DRS in IPL 2019.
Indian cricket players Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul sparked a huge stir in January 2019 when they made some inappropriate remarks about women during an appearance on a famous TV show. The BCCI chastised and punished both players. Many people found their remarks offensive, and it sparked a discussion about sexism in sports. It also prompted examination of the conduct of athletes off the field.
After CSK's home game against the Rajasthan Royals in 2019, Steve Smith, the losing captain, voiced his dissatisfaction at the pitch's slowness in Chennai. This gave rise to claims that CSK was involved in creating a turning track that suited their roster, which was strong on spin. The BCCI needed to step in as well as explain that home advantage existed in cricket and that the groundsmen were responsible for preparing the pitch.
Over the years, there have been other IPL matches when the on-field umpiring calls have been egregiously incorrect, drawing harsh condemnation. One such instance occurred during the Mumbai Indians vs. Kings XI Punjab IPL 2020 match. The on-field umpire awarded MI's Kieron Pollard a leg-before wicket off a ball at a pivotal point in the game. Upon reviewing the videos, it became apparent that the ball had pitched beyond the leg stump as well as was falling at an angle, entirely omitting the stumps. Still, as there was no DRS, the incorrect choice was upheld. This was a clumsy move that may have altered the game's outcome.
Due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in India along with the fact that several players as well as support personnel tested positive in the biobubble in 2020, the 13th IPL tournament had to be postponed indefinitely midway through the competition. This was the first time the IPL had been interrupted. It resulted in significant financial losses and demonstrated how susceptible such sports leagues are to uncontrollable worldwide occurrences.
IPL has surely been a great success in making the T20 format popular as well as providing happiness to millions of fans, but it has also been involved in its fair share of controversy throughout the years. As per ipl news and updates the IPL has seen everything, from match-fixing incidents to allegations of nepotism along with owner meddling. Nonetheless, the organizers have made sure that the show goes on by taking proactive steps including implementing DRS, bolstering anti-corruption procedures, and offering compensation to remedy other problems.
