Cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in India, with a massive following across the country. However, the politics of cricket has been a controversial subject for decades, with numerous controversies surrounding the sport and its players. In this article, we’ll explore the most controversial moments in Indian cricket history.
The Match Fixing Scandal of 2000
The match-fixing scandal of 2000 is undoubtedly the most significant controversy to have hit Indian cricket. The scandal involved allegations of match-fixing and betting against members of the Indian cricket team. The scandal first broke out when Delhi Police arrested former South African captain Hansie Cronje on charges of fixing matches.
Also read: Bollywood’s Biggest Scandals
Subsequently, investigations revealed that several other players, including Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja, were involved in the scandal. The controversy rocked Indian cricket, leading to the formation of the Justice Mudgal Committee to investigate the allegations.
Monkeygate Scandal
The Monkeygate scandal occurred during the 2007-08 Test series between India and Australia. The controversy involved an alleged racial slur by Australian player Andrew Symonds against Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Symonds accused Singh of calling him a “monkey,” leading to a heated argument between the two players. The incident led to Singh receiving a three-match ban, which was later overturned on appeal.
Also read: Controversial Gurus and Spiritual Leaders in India
Sachin Tendulkar’s Dismissal in the 2011 World Cup Semi-Finals
The 2011 World Cup semi-finals between India and Pakistan saw one of the most controversial dismissals in Indian cricket history. Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar was given out lbw by umpire Ian Gould when replays showed that the ball had hit the bat first.
The decision was widely criticized, with many claiming that it had cost India the match. However, India went on to win the World Cup, and the controversy was soon forgotten.
Virat Kohli’s Send-Off of Steven Smith
During the 2017 Test series between India and Australia, Indian captain Virat Kohli gave Australian captain Steven Smith a controversial send-off after dismissing him. Kohli appeared to mock Smith’s attempt to review the decision, leading to a heated exchange between the two players.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Kohli of poor sportsmanship. However, Kohli defended his actions, saying that he was merely “sticking up for his teammates.”
The IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal
The Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal of 2013 was another significant controversy to hit Indian cricket. The scandal involved allegations of spot-fixing and betting against players and officials involved in the IPL.
Several players, including Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila, were arrested on charges of spot-fixing, leading to the suspension of the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings franchises.
In conclusion, Indian cricket has been marred by numerous controversies over the years. From match-fixing to racial slurs, and poor umpiring decisions to spot-fixing, the sport has seen its fair share of controversies. However, despite the controversies, the love for the sport remains undiminished among the millions of cricket fans in India.
Read Next:
