Like every year, the 2025 edition of the IPL had its share of controversies

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifting their maiden title, giving immense joy to most Indian cricket fans, as Virat Kohli added another trophy to his cabinet. However, the mood turned gloomy at times, as multiple controversies marred the tournament.

As the year comes to an end, here’s a recap of the top IPL controversies of 2025.

Bengaluru stampede

(Credit- Deccan Herald)

This episode cannot be called a controversy; it should be labelled a tragic incident. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebration at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium led to a stampede, which snatched multiple innocent lives. Who is to blame? The team management or the city authorities? The investigation is still on.

Unfavourable pitch                  

(Credit- ZAP Cricket)

Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane gave rise to a controversy when he openly criticised Eden Gardens’ pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee for creating a pitch that did not favour the home side. Ajinkya’s words sparked controversy, leading to a heated debate over home and away advantage.

Notebook celebration

(Credit- The Indian Express)

One of the most promising bowlers discovered this season, Lucknow Super Giants’ Digvesh Singh Rathi, was fined multiple times for his ‘notebook celebration.’ He was fined 25 per cent of his fee for the celebration against the Punjab Kings, followed by a 50 per cent fee for celebrating again against the Mumbai Indians.

Fortunately, several cricketers came to his support, stating that if opponents do not find the celebration offensive, there is no point in stopping a player from celebrating as they wish.

Match-fixing allegations

(Credit- CricXtacy)

It is unfortunate that despite being hailed as the most entertaining domestic T20 tournament in the world, the IPL’s reputation has been besmirched with match-fixing allegations on several occasions. This year, once again, match-fixing allegations were made against Rajasthan Royals by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) convener Jaydeep Bihani after the team failed to win close matches. However, the team dismissed the allegations, stating that no evidence exists to support Bihani's claims.

No ball controversy

(Credit- The Indian Express)

During a match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, Ryan Rickelton was caught out by Pat Cummins on a Zeeshan Ansari delivery. However, the decision was overturned by the third umpire after he noticed that wicketkeeper Heinrich Klassen’s gloves were in front of the stumps before Ansari released his delivery, which is against the rules. The matter became controversial, given that many, including bowler Varun Chakravarthy, believed that it should’ve been declared a dead ball and the wicketkeeper should have been warned instead of saying the ball was a no-ball and awarding a free hit.