Top five controversial moments in IPL 2025

Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source - Twitter/X)

The 18th edition of the (IPL) has been underway since March 22, 2025. Like every other season, this year too has witnessed several highs and lows. With half of the matches in IPL 2025 already completed and the tournament has been surrounded by various controversies from both on and off the field.

Despite the issues, fans continue to come to the stadiums to watch the matches and the viewership has soared high across television and in the online streaming platforms. The controversies this season have ranged from incidents during matches to off-field disputes involving commentators, players, and other chaotic situations which made IPL 2025 one of the most eventful seasons.

1. Eden Gardens pitch controversy Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source - BCCI)

In the season opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Rajat Patidar-led RCB secured a seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. After the loss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane criticised the unhelpful conditions at the ground, which led to the spotlight on curator Sujan Mukherjee for not preparing a pitch that favoured the home team.

In response, by admitting that the preparation of pitches is overseen by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the players or franchises are not permitted to be involved in the pitch conditions. The former cricketer turned commentator Simon Doull suggested that if a team is dissatisfied with their home pitch and told the team to change their home ground. The pitch controversy has become a major talking point which stirred discussions among players, franchises, and fans across the IPL 2025 season.

2. Digvesh Rathi notebook celebration Digvesh-Rathi-and-Priyansh-Arya. (Photo Source: X/IPL)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been in the spotlight during IPL 2025 for his ‘’. The leggie first showcased the celebration during a match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) after dismissing his friend Priyansh Arya which led to a . He repeated the celebration against Mumbai Indians (MI) after dismissing Naman Dhir which resulted in an increased fine of 50%.

But the LSG spinner continued his celebration by bringing it out once again , in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a different version. The celebration was initially brought by Kesrick Williams, but Rathi’s actions sparked controversy throughout the season. However, the spinner defended his celebration by stating that it boosts his confidence on the field. Several experts and players also came out in support of the bowler and emphasised that such expressions of happiness should not be viewed as a mistake.

3. Rajasthan Royals’ match-fixing allegations Rajasthan-Royals. (Photo source: IPL)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have struggled for form in this year's IPL by winning only three out of the 10 matches so far. They narrowly lost two games by failing to chase just nine runs in the final over against both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After their narrow defeat to LSG, Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) convener Jaydeep Bihani accused the team of match-fixing.

However, as baseless by pointing out that no evidence had been provided to support the claims. The accusation has added further controversy to IPL 2025. The situation has also brought back memories of RR’s past, in 2015, co-owner Raj Kundra was found guilty of illegal betting which led to the franchise's suspension for two seasons (2016 and 2017).

4. Controversial no-ball during MI vs SRH Ryan-Rickelton-and-Heinrich-Klaasen. (Photo source: X)

In the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, MI secured a four-wicket victory. During the game, a controversial moment arose when SRH bowler Zeeshan Ansari dismissed MI batter Ryan Rickelton, with Pat Cummins taking the catch at cover point. The Proteas batter walked off towards the pavilion after being declared out.

After reviewing by the third umpire, it was observed that SRH wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen’s gloves were positioned in front of the stumps at the time of the ball's release, which is a violation of the rules. As a result, the umpire ruled it as a no-ball and overturned the batter’s dismissal.

This decision brought in controversy across social media with many debating the umpire’s decision. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mystery spinner in the social media by stating that in such cases, the ball should be declared dead and a warning should be issued to the wicketkeeper and not declaring the delivery as a no-ball and free hit.

5. Ishan Kishan dismissal against MI Ishan-Kishan-and-Deepak-Chahar. (Photo source: JIo Hotstar)

The former Mumbai Indians (MI) player Ishan Kishan, now representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), found himself at the center of confusion during the second face-off between the two teams in Hyderabad. In the match, Deepak Chahar bowled to the left-hander and the ball carried to Ryan Rickelton behind the stumps. Surprisingly, Ishan Kishan began walking off the field even before the on-field umpire had declared him out.

The umpire was seemingly unsure and hesitated by raising the finger half-heartedly, while there was minimal appeal from Hardik Pandya or any of the MI players. While looking at the incident, the UltraEdge technology showed no spike which indicated that there was no contact with the bat. Kishan's decision to walk off without a firm appeal or a proper among fans and experts.