The coronavirus disease, Covid pandemic forced the world’s population to alter daily routines, including recreational events. This unusual situation has physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences on all individuals, including the elite and the playing athletes. Life in lockdown has been difficult because everyone has to stay safe and healthy, while at the same time abiding by new norms.
This IPL brought great relief to our living rooms to divert our attention from disease and death for a few moments, for that we must be thankful to the organizers and players.
Here are a few more controversies that involved a few players as well as organizers in the past! --
Shah Rukh Khan Wankhede ban (2012)
The Bollywood star and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner was involved in an altercation with security guards at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai after his side's win over the Mumbai Indians. Khan was accused of walking into the field after the game and abusing the officials. Mumbai Cricket Association banned Khan from entering the stadium for five years, but revoked it in 2015.
Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir spat (2013)
Things went a bit too far when in 2013, Kohli charged at Gambhir after the latter purportedly gave him a send-off. Remarks were exchanged, and Delhi player Rajat Bhatia had to pacify the duo. Things were, however, much calmer when the duo met in the 2016 edition (pictured).
Sahara pulls Pune Warriors out (2013)
Pune Warriors owner Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd announced its withdrawal from the IPL in the controversy-marred year. The move came after BCCI decided to encash Sahara's bank guarantee after it failed to pay the full franchise fee for the year.
First signs of spot-fixing (2012)
Acting on a sting operation conducted by a news channel, the then BCCI President N Srinivasan handed a life ban to medium pacer TP Sudhindra and a five-year ban to fast-medium bowler Shalabh Srivastava (pictured). Three others – batsmen Mohnish Mishra and Abhinav Bali and all-rounder Amit Yadav – were banned for a year. All five were involved in a spot-fixing scandal.
Rahul Sharma, Wayne Parnell test positive for drugs (2012)
Pune Warriors' Rahul Sharma (pictured-L) and Wayne Parnell were detained in Mumbai when the police raided a rave party. The duo tested positive for recreational drugs, however, they were soon released and didn't face any ban from their franchises.
Luke Pomersbach arrested over molestation charges (2012)
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman was arrested in New Delhi over a complaint of molestation filed by a U.S. woman, who also claimed that the Australian player had beaten up her fiancé when he tried to intervene. RCB suspended Pomersbach pending inquiry, but all charges were later dropped after the complainants withdrew the case.
Sri Lankan cricketers banned from Chennai (2013)
The 2013 season of IPL didn't feature a single Sri Lankan player or match official for any game in Chennai, as the then Tamil Nadu government deemed it was unsafe for them to stay in the city. The decision was taken amid political tensions over the treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
kochi Tuskers terminated (2011)
The franchise made its debut in 2011, but was terminated the same year after it failed to furnish its bank guarantee by the stipulated date, March 26.
Mitchell Starc-Kieron Pollard altercation (2014)
Sparks flew when RCB's Mitchell Starc followed his bouncer to Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard (pictured) with a few choice words during a game. Next ball, Pollard pulled out of his stance, but Starc didn't abort his run-up and instead threw the ball at Pollard. Pollard responded by hurling his bat at Starc, and it took the umpires and Chris Gayle to separate the duo. Pollard was fined 75 percent while Starc lost 50 percent of his match fee.
IPL moved out of Maharashtra (2016)
Acting on a Public Interest Litigation by an NGO, the Bombay High Court directed BCCI to shift all IPL matches, scheduled after April 30, outside the state. The court stated that due to the drought conditions in the state of Maharashtra, the use of water for maintaining cricket pitches was a waste. The state missed 13 matches, including the final.
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