Cricket also known as the “gentleman’s game,” has always fascinated fans with its grace, strategy, and some brilliant moments on the field. However, behind the fair play and sportsmanship, there have been instances that have left a mark in cricket history. Today in this article we take a look at some of the most controversial moments in cricket history that often divided the fanbase.
1. Monkeygate Scandal (2008)
During a Test match between Australia and India in Sydney, Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. The incident caused significant controversy and caused a strain in relation between the two teams.
2. Spot-fixing Scandal (2010)
Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were involved in spot-fixing scandal during a Test match against England. They were found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls for money and were subsequently banned from the sport. This led to a lot of debate on the spirit of the game and is considered one of the most controversial moments in cricket.
3. Ball-tampering Scandal (2018)
Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were caught on camera tampering with the ball using sandpaper during a Test match against South Africa. The incident led to suspensions and apologies being issued by all the cricketers involved which in a way tampered with their careers too.
4. Mankading Incident (2019)
During an IPL match, Ravichandran Ashwin, the caption of the Punjab team, ran out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end while he was backing up. This incident reignited the debate on the spirit of the game.
5. Umpire Decision Review System (DRS)
The introduction of the DRS system has led to numerous controversies over umpiring decisions. Various incidents involving technical issues and inconsistencies have sparked debates about the effectiveness of the DRS system. One example of DRS inconsistency was during India versus South Africa when one ball appeared to hit the wickets when appealed for LBW. Still the DRS showed a different result altogether.
6. Greg Chappell Controversy (2005)
Former Indian cricket coach Greg Chappell and Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly were involved in a public spat over Chappell’s coaching methods and Ganguly’s captaincy. This resulted in divide in the fanbase of the ICT. The public outcry against Chappell grew, with fans and former cricketers both expressing dissatisfaction. Chappell’s tenure as coach ended when his contract ended in 2007 and the BCCI decided not to renew it.
7. Hansie Cronje Match-fixing (2000)
South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje was involved in match-fixing and was banned from cricket for life. The scandal shocked the entire cricketing world and stricter actions were introduced in cricket.
8. Bodyline (1932-1933)
During the Ashes series between England and Australia, England employed a unique bowling tactic known as “Bodyline” in which English bowlers rather than attacking the stumps attacked the batters with the bowl. This led to a diplomatic row between the two nations.
9. Dennis Lillee’s Aluminium Bat (1979)
In 1979, in a match against England, Australia’s Dennis Lillee came out to bat at the WACA stadium with an aluminium bat. There were no rules at that time that stated that a cricket bat had to be wooden. Thus Lillee felt he was correct to do so.
10. Bob Woolmer’s Death (2007)
After Pakistan were knocked out of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the group stage, their coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room. Police launched a murder investigation, but the report said he died due to a heart attack.
