Even though the team has yet to reach the halfway mark, it has witnessed several controversies
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a tournament where teams are always on the edge. Matches are competitive, and there's no dearth of on-field dramas. Therefore, controversies are also a part of the tournament.
Unfortunately, the IPL season 2025 has already witnessed several controversies, even before the tournament reached the halfway mark, which is when this article was draughted (April 14).
Below, we have listed the controversies that you may have missed.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their IPL campaign with a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI). However, tampering allegations were made against CSK after Ruturaj Gaikwad and bowler Khaleel Ahmed were spotted doing something with the ball. The video of the incident went viral on social media platforms.
During a match between MI and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first week of the IPL 2025, commentator Harbhajan Singh passed an insensitive remark about Jofra Archer. Archer had an expensive over, and Singh compared the over to London's fast-running black taxi metres. Social media, fans and some cricket experts slammed Singh for the comment, calling it disrespectful to the player.
It all started with Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane hinting that the home team should have some sort of advantage, i.e., curators should provide a pitch that gives the home team an edge. Since then, an online debate has been going on regarding the issue. Many firmly believe that the home team should have an advantage, whereas some believe there should not be a home advantage.
In one of the IPL matches played in Guwahati between KKR and Rajasthan Royals, a physical confrontation broke out among fans. Fortunately, security intervened, and the matter did not escalate. However, such behaviour from fans tarnishes the global image of the IPL.
During a match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and SRH, Washington Sundar was caught out brilliantly by Aniket Verma. However, a review was taken because Sundar thought the ball had touched the ground. The third umpire checked the incident and decided against the batter. The dismissal sparked a massive controversy.
Last but not least, Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) bowler Digvesh Rathi's 'notebook celebration' has also become controversial. While fans and several cricket experts have no issue with Rathi's celebration, the IPL organisers have found him guilty and fined him on three occasions.
