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The Indian Premier League (IPL), a cricket extravaganza that never fails to enthrall fans with its high-octane matches, has a long-standing association with not just thrilling cricket but also gripping controversies. The 2023 season of IPL emerged as a hotbed for numerous intensely debated moments, igniting a fierce storm of discussions and captivating the unwavering gaze of fans and media alike. From jaw-dropping catches to nail-biting finishes, this edition of IPL was a rollercoaster ride that left no room for complacency, both on and off the field.
However, amidst the electrifying action, the controversies that erupted during IPL 2023 stole the spotlight, delivering a potent mix of intrigue, drama, and speculation that sent shockwaves reverberating through the cricketing community.
As the tournament unfolded, each match seemed to unfurl a new chapter of controversy, fueling heated debates and adding an irresistible layer of intensity to an already fiercely competitive league. From contentious umpiring decisions to heated exchanges between players, the IPL once again proved that it is not just a cricketing spectacle but a breeding ground for controversies that ignite passions, provoke discussions, and leave an indelible mark on the annals of cricket history.
Here are the top 5 most controversial moments that stirred the IPL 2023:
1. Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir War of Words:
One of the most significant controversies erupted during a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After successfully defending a low total of 126, RCB's bowler Harshal Patel dismissed LSG batsman Quinton de Kock in the final over. As de Kock walked off the field, he engaged in a heated exchange of words with RCB captain Virat Kohli. The incident, caught on camera, rapidly spread across social media platforms.
Both Kohli and Gambhir were penalized by the BCCI for violating the IPL code of conduct. Nevertheless, the incident left a bitter taste among fans, overshadowing the excitement of an otherwise thrilling match.
2. MI's Hrithik Shokeen and KKR Captain Nitish Rana Verbal Altercation
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In another intense clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a verbal altercation between MI bowler Hrithik Shokeen and KKR captain Nitish Rana created a significant controversy. The incident unfolded during the 18th over of the match and quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
Both Shokeen and Rana faced penalties from the BCCI for violating the IPL code of conduct. However, the incident overshadowed the captivating nature of the match, leaving fans disappointed.
3. No-Ball Controversy Between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings:
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During a match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), a contentious decision related to a waist-high full toss bowled by DC's Ishant Sharma caused a stir. PBKS batsman Liam Livingstone struck a six off the delivery, but the umpire deemed it a no-ball. DC captain Rishabh Pant challenged the decision, and the ball tracker indicated that the ball would have hit the stumps. However, the third umpire upheld the on-field umpire's decision.
The controversial verdict divided fans' opinions, with some supporting the umpire's call and others criticizing the third umpire for inconsistency. The incident raised questions about the reliability and fairness of decisions made by third umpires in the IPL.
4. MS Dhoni's Unnecessary Delay:
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In the Qualifier 1 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), CSK captain MS Dhoni caused an unnecessary delay during the game. After GT batsman David Miller hit a six off CSK bowler Deepak Chahar, Dhoni took his time retrieving the ball, causing frustration among commentators and fans.
Dhoni's actions were widely perceived as unprofessional and led to debates about his sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the incident overshadowed the thrilling match that ultimately saw CSK secure victory by 15 runs.
5. Deepak Chahar's Missed Mankad Attempt:
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During the Qualifier 1 match between CSK and GT, CSK bowler Deepak Chahar attempted to run out GT batsman Vijay Shankar by mankading him at the non-striker's end. However, Shankar had not backed up too far, and despite Chahar dislodging the bails, Shankar survived the dismissal. The missed opportunity generated a wave of controversy.
Chahar's failed attempt brought a smile to the face of his skipper Dhoni but also ignited discussions about the legality and ethics of the mankading dismissal.
Conclusion:
The IPL 2023 season thrilled fans with remarkable cricket performances, but controversies once again took center stage. From intense verbal altercations to contentious umpiring decisions, these controversial moments garnered extensive media coverage and overshadowed the brilliance of the sport.
As the IPL moves forward, it remains to be seen whether future seasons can mitigate controversies, but there is no doubt that the tournament will continue to captivate the world and fuel endless discussions.
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