As the sun sets on the cricketing landscapes of 2023, it leaves behind a tapestry woven with moments of triumph and tumult. From the exhilarating highs of Australia's dominance in multiple formats to the heartbreaking lows of controversial on-field clashes, this year has etched its mark in the cricketing annals. Beyond the boundaries, controversies reverberated, adding layers of intrigue to the sport we hold dear. Join us as we unravel the top ten cricket controversies that defined the narrative of 2023, transcending the boundaries of stadiums and echoing in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
In a heated IPL encounter between RCB and LSG, Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq's on-field spat escalated into a post-match handshake fiasco. A surprising twist saw Gautam Gambhir and Kohli exchanging words, adding an unexpected dimension to the drama.
During the Ashes Test, Jonny Bairstow found himself dismissed in an unusual manner. Alex Carey's underarm throw caught him off guard, leading to a contentious stumping incident. England's plea for sportsmanship clashed with Australia's adherence to the rule book.
Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket to be "timed out" during the World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. A broken helmet strap, a delayed replacement, and a contentious appeal unfolded, leaving the cricketing world in disbelief.
India Women's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, made headlines during the Bangladesh tour. Discontent with umpiring decisions, she vented her frustration by smashing the stumps and openly questioning the umpires' competence, leading to a two-match ban from the ICC.
Former Pakistan player Hasan Raza stirred controversy by alleging that Indian bowlers were using specially tailored balls during the World Cup, facilitating excessive swing. The outlandish claim was met with widespread criticism, even from fellow Pakistani cricketing legends.
Cities like Indore, Mohali, Rajkot, and Nagpur expressed disappointment at being excluded from hosting World Cup 2023 games. Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium hogging the limelight sparked complaints, especially considering the historical significance of Mohali in the 2011 World Cup.
Nasum Ahmed's alleged deliberate wide ball to prevent Virat Kohli from scoring a century raised eyebrows. Umpire Richard Kettleborough's decision not to call it wide triggered debates on the fairness of the call, adding an unexpected twist to the match.
A last-minute pitch change at Wankhede Stadium before the ICC World Cup semi-final fueled allegations of manipulation to favour Indian spinners. The controversial move sparked debates on the ethics of such decisions in high-stakes matches.
In a surprising move, Mumbai Indians named Hardik Pandya as the captain for IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. This strategic decision upset fans who admired Rohit's pivotal role in securing five IPL titles, signalling a shift in the team's leadership dynamics.
In a rare on-field disagreement, former captain MS Dhoni found himself at odds with the umpires over Matheesha Pathirana's bowling eligibility during a match. Dhoni chose to wait for Pathirana to return to the bowling crease instead of opting for a different bowler, showcasing a unique perspective on the game's intricacies. The incident raised eyebrows and ignited discussions on captaincy strategies and adherence to cricketing rules.