The Indian Premier League (IPL) has delivered thrilling cricketing action for over a decade and a half. However, the tournament has witnessed its fair share of controversies alongside breathtaking performances. From heated altercations to questionable umpiring calls, the IPL has seen several on-field moments that sparked debates among players, pundits, and fans alike. The intensity of the competition, coupled with high-pressure situations, has often led to incidents that have left a lasting impact on the tournament’s history. Whether it’s confrontations between players, disputes with umpires, or rare dismissals, these controversial episodes have only added to the IPL’s drama.

As the tournament continues to grow, these moments serve as reminders of the emotions and stakes involved. While some incidents were met with criticism, others became defining moments that shaped the narrative of the IPL. Here, we revisit the five most controversial on-field moments in IPL history.

1. MS Dhoni’s Furious Outburst – IPL 2019

MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor, stunned the cricketing world when he stormed onto the field to confront the umpires during a high-pressure match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2019.

During the dramatic final over of CSK’s chase, Ben Stokes bowled a delivery that was initially signaled as a no-ball for height by square-leg umpire Ulhas Gandhe. However, after consultation with the standing umpire, Bruce Oxenford, the decision was overturned, leaving the CSK camp fuming.

Dhoni, who had just been dismissed, marched onto the field from the dugout—an unprecedented move in IPL history—to argue with the umpires. Eventually, the decision stood, but Dhoni’s uncharacteristic intervention sparked major controversy. He was fined 50% of his match fee, but the incident raised concerns over player behavior and umpiring inconsistencies.

2. The Slapgate Scandal – IPL 2008

Arguably the most infamous controversy in IPL history, the Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth slapgate incident occurred during the inaugural season in 2008.

After a match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), MI’s stand-in captain, Harbhajan Singh, allegedly slapped Sreesanth while shaking hands after the match. Reports suggested that Sreesanth had provoked Harbhajan with his aggressive behavior, leading to the shocking altercation.

The aftermath was dramatic, as cameras caught Sreesanth shedding tears on the field, with teammates consoling him. Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the season, and the IPL’s disciplinary committee came down hard on the incident. This controversy remains one of the most talked-about moments in IPL history.

3. Kieron Pollard’s Tape Drama – IPL 2015

West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard is known for his aggressive gameplay and entertaining antics. However, during an MI vs RCB clash in IPL 2015, he took things to a bizarre level.

In a heated exchange with RCB’s Chris Gayle, Pollard was warned multiple times for his on-field chatter. The umpires, growing frustrated with his constant talk, asked him to stay silent. In response, Pollard came out with black tape covering his mouth, dramatically mocking the umpires’ warning.

Though Pollard was eventually asked to remove the tape, the incident left the crowd in splits while sparking debates over player conduct and umpire authority.

4. R Ashwin's 'Enter' Controversy – IPL 2019

The IPL 2019 season was marred by one of the most debated dismissals in cricket—Ravichandran Ashwin’s ‘Mankading’ of Jos Buttler.

During a match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, Buttler, batting in sublime form, stepped out of the crease at the non-striker’s end before Ashwin delivered the ball. Ashwin, spotting this, immediately removed the bails and appealed for a run-out. The third umpire ruled Buttler out, sparking outrage.

While ‘Mankading’ is within the rules of the game, it is considered against the spirit of cricket. The cricketing fraternity was divided, with some supporting Ashwin for playing by the rules and others condemning his actions as unsportsmanlike. The debate raged for weeks, adding another chapter to IPL’s long list of controversies.

5. Yusuf Pathan’s Obstructing the Field – IPL 2013

A rare and controversial dismissal occurred in IPL 2013 when Yusuf Pathan became the first player to be given out for ‘obstructing the field’ in the tournament’s history.

During a match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Pune Warriors India (PWI), Pathan was batting when he hit the ball straight to a fielder and instinctively stopped the ball with his hand while running. The opposition appealed immediately, and after reviewing the incident, the third umpire ruled him out for obstructing the field, which is a rarely enforced law in cricket.

The decision sparked debates on whether Pathan’s act was intentional or merely a reflex, but the rulebook was clear—if a batsman deliberately uses a hand or any part of the body to stop the ball without the umpire’s consent, it is considered an offense. While controversial, this moment remains a unique chapter in IPL history.

The IPL has never been short of drama, and these controversial moments have only added to its legacy. From heated confrontations to rulebook dilemmas, these incidents highlight the high stakes and emotions that run deep in the tournament. While some controversies were met with severe criticism, others led to changes in rules and conduct, shaping the IPL’s future.

As the tournament evolves, new narratives will unfold, and fresh controversies may emerge with them. However, these moments remind us why the IPL remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable cricketing spectacles in the world. Whether good or bad, these controversies are part of what makes the IPL unforgettable.