5 famous IPL controversies.
IPL 2019: With the 12th edition of the IPL just a day away, all teams and players are gearing for the cash-rich T20 league.
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore players had an intense training session at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Thursday, two days ahead of the opening match of the Indian Premier League.
While the event is the most entertaining event in the world, it has also been in the news for its controversies over the years.
From Pakistan players being banned to spot-fixing scandals, the IPL has seen its fair share of controversies.
Ahead of the 2019 IPL, here are the five biggest controversies the tournament has seen over the years:
1. Pakistan players being banned
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Post the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, the relationship between India and Pakistan hit a new low.
While there is no official ban on Pakistani players taking part in the IPL, the Indian domestic T20 league snubbed them. Veteran Shahid Afridi was one of the most popular Pakistan players to have graced the IPL. He was part of the now-defunct side, Deccan Chargers.
Post the inaugural edition in 2008, Pakistan players have not participated in the tournament.
(Images: File Photo)
2. Shah Rukh Khan banned from entering Wankhede Stadium
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This incident could be counted in one of the weirdest controversies in the IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was banned from entering Wankhede Stadium following a tiff between him and the security personnel in 2012.
It was alleged that after Mumbai Indians (MI) beat KKR, Khan walked onto the ground and abused the officials.
Khan was then banned for five years; however, it was revoked in 2015.
(Images: AFP)
3. Lalit Modi suspended by BCCI
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The first Chairman and Commissioner of the IPL, Lalit Modi was alleged to have done financial wrongdoing and was suspended by the BCCI in 2010.
In 2013, after he was found guilty of indiscipline and misconduct, he was banned for life.
Modi had helped the tournament achieve immense success in just two years.
(Images: File Photos)
4. S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan’s spot-fixing scandal
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Three Indian cricketers of Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were said to be involved in spot-fixing during the 2013 IPL.
Following the allegations and investigations, the three were found guilty and were handed life ban by the BCCI.
This incident is considered to be the worst controversy to date in the IPL. The Supreme Court, however, recently ended the life ban set on Sreesanth.
(Images: PTI)
5. CSK and RR suspended for two years
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IPL’s two biggest and successful teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suspended by the BCCI in 2015.
The suspension came after it was revealed that the officials of the franchises were involved in corruption.
The franchises were barred from participating in 2016 and 2017; however, both made a comeback in 2018 as CSK went on to win their third title.
In MS Dhoni’s latest ‘Roar of the Lion’ documentary, the CSK skipper explains about the suspension and how it affected him and his teammates.
(Images: File Photos)
