Five Biggest Indian T20 League Controversies
The Indian T20 League has entertained fans over the years since its inception in 2008. Teams such as Chennai and Mumbai have a huge fan base because of their title wins. On the other hand, teams such as Bangalore and Punjab have a loyal fan base. However, their have been some controversies in the ITL which has given a bad name to the cash-rich league. Some have been forgotten easily while others are still remembered.
In this listicle, we will discuss the five biggest controversies of the Indian T20 League
The five biggest controversies
Harbhajan vs Sreesanth
The 10th match between Punjab and Mumbai in 2008 saw a big controversy. Harbhajan was leading Mumbai in that game. His side lost to Punjab, who won the match by 66 runs. After the game, the players were exchanging customary handshakes. Sreesanth from Punjab tried to shake hand with Harbhajan but the latter slapped him. The pacer was in tears when the camera caught him. The off-spinner was suspended immediately for the season, and a sobbing Sreesanth walked away. Later on, the Kerela-born players said that it was not a slap but a back of the palm push. Both players resolved the situation and kept playing for India but the 39-year-old’s sobbing face was in the public domain for a long time.
Shahrukh Khan vs the Wankhede security
The Kolkata franchise co-owner Shahrukh Khan had a heated argument with the security officials at the Wankhede Stadium. The incident happened after his side had beaten Mumbai by 32 runs in the 65th match of the 2012 season. As per the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the Bollywood superstar entered the stadium making noises in a drunken state and abused security personnel Vikas Dalvi. Dalvi had warned the visiting team owner against entering the players dugouts. The Badshah of Bollywood joined the group of players alongside his family and friends which marked the beginning of the conflict. People held the 56-year-old for attacking Dalvi. The actor defended himself, saying that he had come to the stadium to pick up his children and Dalvi had used abusive words in Marathi. The MCA banned Shahrukh from entering its premises for the next five years (till 2017). However, this ban was lifted in 2015 with pressure from political circles.