The Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to start 19 September in the UAE.
The world’s biggest T20 cricket league has a history of controversies.
Apart from spot-fixing, several types of scandals have also marred the tournament. But despite all the controversies, the IPL is the most popular cricket league in the world.
Let’s revisit some of the biggest controversies involving the IPL.
In the first season of IPL, national teammates S Sreesanth and Harbhajan were involved in a fight. Kings XI Punjab fast bowler Sreesanth was slapped on the ground by Mumbai Indians spinner Harbhajan. For this, he was banned for 11 matches.
In 2011, Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne had publicly abused Rajasthan Cricket Association President Sanjay Dixit. After this, Sanjay had also filed an FIR against Warne.
The 2013, the IPL spot-fixing and betting case arose when the Delhi Police arrested three cricketers, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan on charges of alleged spot-fixing. The three represented the Rajasthan Royals team in the 2013 Indian Premier League season.
In a separate case, Mumbai Police arrested Vindu Dara Singh and Chennai Super Kings Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan for alleged betting and having links with bookies.
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was made the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three seasons. In the fourth season, KKR owner Shahrukh Khan faced opposition from cricket fans for not buying this player in the auction. Protests were held against Shah Rukh Khan in the streets of Kolkata.
The foundation of IPL in India was laid under the chairmanship of former chairman Lalit Modi. Lalit Modi’s name was later revealed in money laundering, match fixing and big financial fraud. The BCCI’s Special Disciplinary Committee framed several charges against Lalit Modi. Modi is still out of the country.
In the 2012 IPL, two Pune Warriors players Rahul Sharma and Wayne Parnell were arrested by Mumbai Police. Both players were held at a rave party. According to IPL rules, it is illegal to visit any such place during the tournament.