now we’re talking spice, shock, and some straight-up WWE-level drama 🔥👀
The IPL isn’t just about cricket—it’s a full-blown entertainment juggernaut, and controversy has played its part in keeping fans glued.
Here are the most controversial IPL moments of all time — buckle up:
🔥 1. Slapgate – Sreesanth vs Harbhajan (2008)
🧠 What happened?
After a match between MI and KXIP, Harbhajan allegedly slapped Sreesanth during the post-match handshake. Sreesanth was seen crying on camera.
📌 Fallout:
💬 “It was only the first season… and the drama had already begun.”
🧨 2. Spot-Fixing Scandal (2013)
🧠 What happened?
Three Rajasthan Royals players – S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan – were arrested for spot-fixing.
📌 Fallout:
-
Huge dent to IPL's credibility
-
CSK and RR franchises were later suspended for 2 years
-
Gurunath Meiyappan (CSK official) & betting links further shook the league
“This nearly broke the IPL... but it survived.”
😤 3. Dhoni Storms the Field (2019)
🧠 What happened?
In a last-over drama vs RR, Dhoni walked onto the field from the dugout to confront umpires over a no-ball call.
📌 Fallout:
“Calm Captain Cool? Not that night.”
🧊 4. Ravichandran Ashwin’s Mankad (2019)
🧠 What happened?
Ashwin mankaded Jos Buttler (RR) without warning, igniting a global debate on the ‘Spirit of Cricket’.
📌 Fallout:
“Legal move, but moral murkiness? Classic IPL controversy.”
💣 5. Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir – Multiple Times
🧠 What happened?
From 2013 to 2023, Kohli and Gambhir have clashed in high-octane spats—most recently during RCB vs LSG (2023), when it got really personal.
📌 Fallout:
“Two Delhi boys. No chill.”
😵 6. Ravindra Jadeja Contract Drama (2010)
🧠 What happened?
Jadeja tried to negotiate with other teams while under contract with RR—ended up being banned for the entire 2010 season.
“One of the few cases of contract tampering gone public.”
😬 7. Shah Rukh Khan banned from Wankhede (2012)
🧠 What happened?
Post-KKR’s win, SRK allegedly misbehaved with security at Wankhede Stadium. MCA banned him for 5 years (later revoked).
“When King Khan got red-carded from his team’s stadium.”
🧠 TL;DR – Top IPL Controversy Chart:
| # |
Moment |
Year |
Why It Rocked IPL |
| 1 |
Slapgate – Bhajji vs Sree |
2008 |
First ever ugly on-field clash |
| 2 |
Spot-fixing Scandal |
2013 |
Players arrested, teams suspended |
| 3 |
Dhoni’s on-field protest |
2019 |
Uncharacteristic meltdown from Captain Cool |
| 4 |
Ashwin Mankads Buttler |
2019 |
Ethics vs laws showdown |
| 5 |
Kohli vs Gambhir Feuds |
Ongoing |
Ego clashes, fines, media storms |
| 6 |
SRK Wankhede Ban |
2012 |
Bollywood meets controversy |
| 7 |
Jadeja Suspension (contract) |
2010 |
First major player suspension outside field |
Want a deep dive on any one of these? Or the funniest off-field IPL controversies? Just say the word 💬😎