Top 20 Controversies in Cricket

Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, has witnessed its fair share of controversies that have marred the spirit of the sport. From match-fixing scandals to on-field confrontations, here are the top 20 controversies in cricket:

1. Ball-Tampering Scandal (2018)

The infamous ball-tampering scandal shook the cricketing world when Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper during a Test match against South Africa. The incident led to severe bans and reputational damage for the players and Cricket Australia.

2. Monkeygate Scandal (2008)

The India-Australia Test series in 2008 witnessed a racial abuse controversy when Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Andrew Symonds a “monkey.” The incident escalated into a diplomatic issue, resulting in hearings and fines. The strained relations between the two teams lingered long after the series concluded.

3. Bodyline Series (1932-33)

England’s controversial use of the “Bodyline” tactic to combat Don Bradman during the Ashes series caused outrage. The aggressive short-pitched bowling, aimed at the body, led to diplomatic tensions between England and Australia, nearly causing a breakdown in cricketing relations.

4. IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal (2013)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) was rocked by a massive spot-fixing scandal involving Rajasthan Royals players Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan. Alongside the players, bookies and team officials were implicated, leading to bans and the temporary suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

5. Pakistan Spot-Fixing Scandal (2010)

During a Test match against England, Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Amir were convicted of spot-fixing. They intentionally bowled no-balls in exchange for bribes. The scandal resulted in prison sentences and lengthy bans from cricket.

6. Underarm Bowling Incident (1981)

In a controversial move, Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl an underarm delivery to New Zealand’s Brian McKechnie, preventing a six on the last ball. The unsportsmanlike act led to backlash and subsequent changes in cricketing laws.

7. Daryl Harper Umpiring Controversy (2011)

Umpire Daryl Harper faced criticism for a series of questionable decisions during India’s Test match against the West Indies. Indian players expressed their frustration, leading to Harper stepping down from officiating the remainder of the series.

8. Mike Denness Controversy (2001)

Match referee Mike Denness imposed severe penalties on six Indian players during a Test against South Africa, accusing them of misconduct. India protested the decision, leading to a boycott of Denness and a controversial stand-off with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

9. Zimbabwe’s Black Armband Protest (2003)

Zimbabwean cricketers Andy Flower and Henry Olonga wore black armbands during the 2003 World Cup to protest against Robert Mugabe’s oppressive regime. Their courageous act of defiance ended their cricketing careers and highlighted the political turmoil in Zimbabwe.

10. Greg Chappell-Sourav Ganguly Feud (2005-06)

A public fallout between Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and coach Greg Chappell resulted in Ganguly’s exclusion from the team. The controversy divided fans and players, with questions raised about Chappell’s leadership style.

11. Kevin Pietersen Texting Scandal (2012)

Kevin Pietersen was accused of sending derogatory texts about his England teammates to the South African team during a series in 2012. The scandal resulted in his temporary exclusion from the national team.

12. Azharuddin-Ajay Jadeja Match-Fixing Scandal (2000)

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja were accused of match-fixing, leading to a lifetime ban for Azharuddin and a five-year ban for Jadeja. The scandal exposed the dark side of cricket, leading to stricter regulations to prevent corruption in the sport.

13. Ben Stokes’ Bar Brawl (2017)

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was involved in a late-night brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol. Arrested and charged with affray, he faced a court trial but was eventually acquitted, allowing him to resume his cricketing career.

14. Shahid Afridi’s Ball-Biting Incident (2010)

During an ODI against Australia, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi was caught biting the ball in an attempt to tamper with its condition. He received a two-match ban for the unsportsmanlike act.

15. Dean Jones’ Racial Slur (2006)

Dean Jones, while commentating, referred to Hashim Amla as a “terrorist” during a live broadcast. The derogatory remark led to his immediate sacking and a public apology.

16. Sreesanth’s Slapgate (2008)

After an IPL match, Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth in a heated exchange. The incident became a media sensation, leading to Harbhajan’s suspension from the tournament.

17. ICC’s Lax Treatment of Racism (2021)

Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj faced racial abuse from spectators during the India-Australia Test series. The ICC faced criticism for its lack of stringent action against the perpetrators, highlighting concerns about racism in the sport.

18. Ravi Shastri’s Book Launch During COVID (2021)

Indian coach Ravi Shastri’s book launch in England reportedly led to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Indian team. The event was heavily criticized for breaching safety protocols.

19. Virender Sehwag’s Multan Declaration (2004)

Indian captain Rahul Dravid declared the innings when Virender Sehwag was at 194 runs, denying him a potential double century. The decision stirred controversy, though Dravid maintained it was in the team’s interest.

20. Michael Holding’s Umpire Criticism (2019)

West Indies legend Michael Holding openly criticized the poor umpiring during the 2019 World Cup. His bold statements raised concerns about the standard of officiating in modern cricket.

These controversies serve as reminders of how cricket, despite its spirit of sportsmanship, has faced turbulent moments. Each incident brought changes in rules, greater accountability, and significant lessons for the cricketing community.