When remotely observing a whole galaxy of stars, we do hope to witness a couple of shooting ones. The cash cow IPL is no different in this regard, with controversies hogging the limelights more than the event itself, and had its own share of ‘Shooting Stars’ indeed. This, because IPL is considered more inclined towards entertainment than cricket, and a ‘dirty picture’ proved that entertainment does sell in India. So come, let’s take a look at the sprout of controversies from the inception of this Premier League until now-
Season 1
Cheer-leaders, the most celebrated part of the IPL, failed to find the equal cheer among political leaders, who were quick enough to profess over Indian culture and how the skimpily-clads were ruining it. A huge mountain was made of this, with ‘distraction to players’ as a justification.
Then there was that notorious palm-on-face moment between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth, which followed a ban on the former for the rest of the event.
Season 2
Security issues prompted the event, which clashed with the Lok Sabha Elections, shift its base from India to South Africa. Indian Fans were obviously disappointed.
The next in line was KKR’s multiple captaincy theory, which backfired in more ways than one, and had Ganguly losing his grip over the team. KKR even had a stint with the Fake IPL player, who accused the camp of racism and match fixing.
The RR team shared ‘pint’ with captain Warne, when he was spotted drinking during a match.
Ravindra Jadeja faced ban for charging more money from MI, despite being retained by RR.
Season 3
With the fair share of controversies in IPL Seasons 1 and 2, IPL 3 enjoyed its own 2 months before the commencement as Pakistani players were refrained from participation. But yes, this time the war-cries were cried in India.
The Yuvraj Singh-Punjab team rift was for all to see and rumors indicated that Yuvraj wished to enter MI. He was cast out of captaincy, which then went to Sangakkara, but the ultimate fate of Punjab team found itself in the bottom of the table.
Season 4
Lalit Modi was booted out following his involvement in Kochi Tuskers bidding. Again, no Pakistani player’s name featured in any of the franchisee’s list, and stalwarts like Dravid and Laxman were bought at base price. Ganguly, after a long ordeal of non-selection from a franchise, finally found his place as a replacement for Ashish Nehra, and got to participate in what remained of the tournament.
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor was asked to give up his post subsequent to his association with the Rendezvous sports.In September last year, the contract with Rendezvous Sports witnessed termination, observing the illegality of shares with other companies.
Season 5
Five uncapped players were suspended by BCCI following allegations on spot-fixing, and an inquiry was arranged.
KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan made for some nasty headlines after his scuffle with officials at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai. MCA has now issued a ban against the actor, denying him an entry in the Wankhede premises for five years.
Luke Pomersbach of Royal Challengers Bangalore attracted controversy without playing a single game this season, for molesting an Indian-origin dame Zohal Hamid and assaulting her fiance, which led to his subsequent arrest.
A Police raid on a rave party followed soon enough, and a couple IPL players found guilty were escorted away. Their blood/urine test results shall be out soon.
Kirti Azad, Kapil Dev have been excluded from the list of senior players who shall be rewarded from money generated through IPL play-offs. Azad, for his questioning the IPL management, and Kapil for his involvement with the ICL.
With controversies increasing with every passing season, we expect Season 6 to be no less. With cricket, entertainment, politics, and drugs all involved, we’re *actually* looking forward to it!
When remotely observing a whole galaxy of stars, we do hope to witness a couple of shooting ones. The cash cow IPL is no different in this regard, with controversies hogging the limelights more than the event itself, and had its own share of ‘Shooting Stars’ indeed. This, because IPL is considered more inclined towards entertainment than cricket, and a ‘dirty picture’ proved that entertainment does sell in India. So come, let’s take a look at the sprout of controversies from the inception of this Premier League until now-
Season 1
Cheer-leaders, the most celebrated part of the IPL, failed to find the equal cheer among political leaders, who were quick enough to profess over Indian culture and how the skimpily-clads were ruining it. A huge mountain was made of this, with ‘distraction to players’ as a justification.
Then there was that notorious palm-on-face moment between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth, which followed a ban on the former for the rest of the event.
Season 2
Security issues prompted the event, which clashed with the Lok Sabha Elections, shift its base from India to South Africa. Indian Fans were obviously disappointed.
The next in line was KKR’s multiple captaincy theory, which backfired in more ways than one, and had Ganguly losing his grip over the team. KKR even had a stint with the Fake IPL player, who accused the camp of racism and match fixing.
The RR team shared ‘pint’ with captain Warne, when he was spotted drinking during a match.
Ravindra Jadeja faced ban for charging more money from MI, despite being retained by RR.
Season 3
With the fair share of controversies in IPL Seasons 1 and 2, IPL 3 enjoyed its own 2 months before the commencement as Pakistani players were refrained from participation. But yes, this time the war-cries were cried in India.
The Yuvraj Singh-Punjab team rift was for all to see and rumors indicated that Yuvraj wished to enter MI. He was cast out of captaincy, which then went to Sangakkara, but the ultimate fate of Punjab team found itself in the bottom of the table.
Season 4
Lalit Modi was booted out following his involvement in Kochi Tuskers bidding. Again, no Pakistani player’s name featured in any of the franchisee’s list, and stalwarts like Dravid and Laxman were bought at base price. Ganguly, after a long ordeal of non-selection from a franchise, finally found his place as a replacement for Ashish Nehra, and got to participate in what remained of the tournament.
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor was asked to give up his post subsequent to his association with the Rendezvous sports.In September last year, the contract with Rendezvous Sports witnessed termination, observing the illegality of shares with other companies.
Season 5
Five uncapped players were suspended by BCCI following allegations on spot-fixing, and an inquiry was arranged.
KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan made for some nasty headlines after his scuffle with officials at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai. MCA has now issued a ban against the actor, denying him an entry in the Wankhede premises for five years.
Luke Pomersbach of Royal Challengers Bangalore attracted controversy without playing a single game this season, for molesting an Indian-origin dame Zohal Hamid and assaulting her fiance, which led to his subsequent arrest.
A Police raid on a rave party followed soon enough, and a couple IPL players found guilty were escorted away. Their blood/urine test results shall be out soon.
Kirti Azad, Kapil Dev have been excluded from the list of senior players who shall be rewarded from money generated through IPL play-offs. Azad, for his questioning the IPL management, and Kapil for his involvement with the ICL.
With controversies increasing with every passing season, we expect Season 6 to be no less. With cricket, entertainment, politics, and drugs all involved, we’re *actually* looking forward to it!