IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

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5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

Also read:KKR vs SRH: Match 15 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

Also read: IPL 2025: Updated points table after LSG vs PBKS clash

Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Indian spin legend Harbajhan Singh has a major concern for the future of spin department in cricket and had a small criticism on how today's spinners are enacting in todays cricket which is completely detoriating the art of spin bowling which is the biggest concern for me, he says in his recent interview for Times Of India. In old days when we were young we were taught about the traditional spin and to bowl slow. 

You have to allow the ball to spin which is the most essential thing in the spin bowling you have to be in your basics and should try different things which is been lacked by today's spinners which can be more concerning looking at the future aspects of the game. The intent and bravery should be shown you can't be shy away every time in the game. 

Read More: Sam Curran Eying England Comeback Playing With Csk

Today's Spinners Are Medium Pacers

TATA IPL is just a few hours away and even India, though globally is a watched sports event that has created a different monarchy. He was asked by the legend how excited about the season. Harbajhan replied he is looking forward to the new season where young talents will get a platform to rouse above as earlier seen. Coming on to the spin aspect bhajji said today's spin bowlers are not spin bowlers they are bowling like medium pacers. They are only thinking of how to contain runs and escape its not spin bowling. It is an art about flight and drift and how you use them and get the batsman thinking

With more batting pitches in T20 cricket, spin bowlers have been often sticking to restrictive roles.  You have an example too a perfect spinner like Rashid Khan who used to dominate batters earlier has struggled a lot in last season to get wickets too. Bowlers need to have a more attacking mindset to approach the batter not to go under the shell. It's really painful to see that no spin bowlers are trying to attack they are bowling like fast bowlers, they need to take chances and especially they have to bowl slow you are not a medium pacer. 

Read More: IPL New Rules For The Season Of 2025

Upliftment Of Salaiva Ban Welcomed

You have to stick to yourself and concentrate on what best you give on the field you can't run away by bowling balls you have to drift the ball and it only comes when you are bowling slow today's bowlers if they get beatings just faster the action and bowl where completely evacuated the ball to spin then what's left nothing. 

I welcome what BCCI has just done, the upliftment of the saliva ban was during covid period now bowlers will also have the luxury to help keep the ball shining where the chance of drift and reverse swing will be possible. Looking forward to a great season and bowlers may benefit from it. 

The IPL comes with glamour, edge-of-the-seat cricket, and multi-crore rupee deals. But amidst all the glamour, there have been dark incidents also that shook the cricketing community. Here are some of the most noted IPL scandals:

1. 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal

This was among the darkest times of IPL history. Three Rajasthan Royals players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, were arrested for spot-fixing. The image of the league left everyone shocked.

2. CSK and RR Banned (2015)

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years when their promoters got involved in illegal gambling. It was a devastating blow, as CSK was one of the most successful teams in the IPL's history.

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3. Lalit Modi Controversy

Lalit Modi, the creator of IPL, was charged with irregularities and suspended by the BCCI in 2010. His abrupt departure from the league raised a number of questions regarding cricket administration corruption.

4. Suspension of Ravindra Jadeja (2010)

Jadeja, the superstar of today, was suspended for the 2010 season when he attempted to negotiate with another team while he was already contracted to Rajasthan Royals. It was an unusual instance of a player being punished for breach of contract.

5. Harbhajan Singh Slaps Sreesanth (2008)

In a shock during the inaugural season of IPL, Indian player Sreesanth was slapped by Harbhajan Singh following a match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians. It resulted in Harbhajan's suspension for the remainder of the season.

But despite all the scandals, the IPL is one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. Even though scandals rocked the tournament, popularity of the tournament is growing year by year.

Which of the IPL controversy do you remember most?

We just experienced an impressive ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Rohit Sharma-led India set a new record by becoming the first team to win the title three times. While the cricket is shifting towards the IPL 2025 edition, two popular Indian cricket faces, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and popular Indian sports anchor and commentator Jatin Sapru, have sparked a social media controversy. 

Harbhajan Singh left me with no choice: Jatin Sapru

Two days after India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 success, Jatin Sapru suddenly took his Instagram account where he posted an allegation on Harbhajan Singh. While Jatin posted "Can’t believe I’m speaking out against my own partner, but @harbhajan3 left me with no choice!", his image post added that his humble request with all due respect to not make him partner with Harbhajan Singh in the future as the off-spinner didn't give him a chance to talk, which Jatin felt unfair. 

"With all due respect, it's my humble request to the concerned authority ki aage se mujhe Bhajji Sir ke saath partner naa karein. Unhone mujhe bolne ka mauka hi nahi diya. I don't think it's fair."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jatin Sapru (@jatin_sapru)

See Also: Hardik Pandya Gives A Hilarious Reply To A Pakistan Journalist

Harbhajan Singh replied

In reply, Harbhajan Singh also tagged Jatin Sapru where he clarified that Jatin's allegation of not giving him a chance to speak was a complete lie. The former off-spinner has appealed to publish the footage to bring the truth. 

Harbhajan wrote, "Jatin ka ye allegation ki maine usse kuch bolne nahi diya bilkul jhooth hai. Main humari footage public karne ki appeal karta hun, taaki sach logo tak pahaunch sake."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Harbhajan Turbanator Singh (@harbhajan3)

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket fans are confused with this sudden incident. Some cricket fans feel that it was a marketing or pr (public relations) tactic, and in that case, some fans are unhappy if it becomes true. However, at present, there is no clarification from both sides, while both of them work for the broadcaster Star Sports. Fans are also hoping for no big issues and controversies between these two popular people.  

Indian National Congress leader Shama Mohamed recently claimed that the Indian national cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was "fat" and the "most unimpressive captain". While she is facing many criticisms, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has also slammed the Congress leader. 

In a recent social media post, Shama Mohamed wrote, "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!"

Well, without any surprise, most of the Indian cricket fans haven't taken this comment easily and lightly as they slammed the Congress leader for making such comments. Although she later deleted that post and tried to defend herself by claiming it wasn't for bodyshaming and only for fitness concerns, Indian cricket fans aren't impressed anyway. 

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I think she doesn't know the parameters of fitness: Harbhajan Singh slammed Shama Mohamed

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh slammed Shama Mohamed for her marks on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Singh has claimed that the 37-year-old is still leading the Indian team strongly. The former Indian off-spinner asked for the credibility of the Congress leader to make such comments on the active Indian captain's fitness. 

Singh told ANI, "Whatever has been said about Rohit Sharma - I want to tell her that he is such a player who has served the country so much, and he is still leading the team well... I don't think anyone has this right to talk about his fitness. Had his fitness been not good, he wouldn't have been part of the team, but he is there and that too as a captain. There are many levels of fitness that you need to pass to come into the team. I want to ask her if she is a fitness coach, BCCI president or if she is related to any sport so that she knows about fitness. She is comparing him (Rohit Sharma) with a player who is still in the team. I think she doesn't know the parameters of fitness. Without knowing the facts, I don't think anyone should talk... We should look towards Rohit Sharma's contributions."

#WATCH | On Congress leader Shama Mohamed's remarks, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh says, "Whatever has been said about Rohit Sharma - I want to tell her that he is such a player who has served the country so much, and he is still leading the team well... I don't think… https://t.co/wkbHEfD5Pv pic.twitter.com/UBmWyloB3O

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025

On this matter, Singh also posted on his social media account.

The controversy on fitness of @ImRo45 was unfortunate and uncalled for. He is an outstanding player and an exceptional leader who has made immense contributions to Indian cricket. Sportspersons are also human beings with emotion and sentiment. It indeed hurts when persons who…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 3, 2025

Rohit Sharma-led India have great records

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where the skipper had a huge influential role for his nation's success. He is leading the Test and ODI team, while he also led the Indian team that finished as the runners-up in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. Rohit-led Indian team is now participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they are ready for the Semi-final match against Australia. 

Rohit isn't only a top-class opening batter and outstanding skipper, but he is also a good dependable fielder in international cricket standards as he hardly makes any mistake on the field. Also, the right-handed batter is known for his strong running between the wickets. 

The Champions Trophy was just a day ago when all the teams started their preparation rigorously ahead of it. Indian team has also arrived in Dubai and their practice session is also spot on. India will begin their campaign with facing Bangladesh on 20 Feb.

But the main picture lies after three days when India going to face their arch-rivals Pakistan. 
Harbhajan Singh former Indian Spinner and World Cup winner has given a major warning to Rohit Sharma and his team not to underestimate the Pakistan team who were the former champions of the Champions Trophy. 

The Biggest Threat Ahead
There is a huge buzz created around the India vs Pakistan match and even cricket fans too wait for this rivalry because it is as big as any festival. Harbhajan Singh has stated that India should typically be ready against Fakhar Zaman who opens for the Pakistan team. He stated he is the main player to watch out for. 
If you miss your trick he is going to punish you left and right. No one would forget the Champions Trophy final where Fakhar Zaman's century cost India the big final which happened in England in 2017. India played that tournament well but what cost them was the final. 
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Fakhar Zaman Impressive Against India

Fakhar Zaman has been really good against India and his records speak for that. With his dynamic batting approach, he just snatches away the dilemma, he has scored 234 runs in six matches with an average of 48 and a strike rate of 82, these stats are enough that what difference Fakhar Zaman can create on his day. 
In the 2017 Champions Trophy Final at the Oval, he was the only man to create a huge difference which just shattered Indian fans' dreams, Fakhar Zaman scored 116 runs which he made from 106 balls and Pakistan was able to put up a score of 338 runs. It seemed a halfway battle lost at the start itself and India crumbled to their chase and lost the match by 180 runs. 
Before their clash on the 23 both of the team forms are quite high in stake. India crushed England 3-0 in the recent ODI series and Pakistan displayed good cricket in the nanationaleries tournament where they lost only one match that too final against New Zealand. Both the teams are on the same domain whoever plays better cricket on the given day will pull it off. 

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh isn’t taking more hype for the India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He believes that match on February 23 in Dubai is "overhyped" and India will dominate in their biggest rivarls. India is in Group A, will face Pakistan in their second match of the ICC Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19.  

Harbhajan Singh Speaking on his YouTube channel, India’s squad is so strong and Pakistan’s inconsistency, saying the match is unlikely to be competitive. "fans hype up India vs Pakistan, but I don’t see anything special about it. India is a very strong team, while Pakistan has been struggling with their forms. They recently lost at home with New Zealand team and players are not in good form and inconsistent. If you compare both teams, India is clearly dominating in both batting and bowling,".

Harbhajan Singh said that Fakhar Zaman is the only player who trouble India in the ICC Champions Trophy. "I checked the stats Babar averages 31 against India, which isn’t great for a top class player. His average should be around 50. Rizwan’s average is even lower at 25. The only Pakistani batter who looks dangerous is Fakhar Zaman, with an average of 46. He can take the game away from India. But other than him, their batting is so weak. Faheem Ashraf averages just 12.5 against India, and Saud Shakeel only six. According to the lineup, I don’t see them putting up a big fight with India."  

Harbhajan also highlighted the strong form of India’s key players before the tournament. Rohit Sharma(Captain) has scored runs, Shubma Gill(Vice Captain) is in  good form, Axar Patel is performing well, and Virat Kohli recently hit a fifty against England in the last ODI. He may not best in the England ODI series, but he always delivers in big tournaments. KL Rahul is also playing well."  

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Comparing with recent performances, Harbhajan said India’s bowling attack is looking good. "Our bowlers are in good rhythm. We just defeated England in a home series, while Pakistan lost to New Zealand. Pakistan will play New Zealand in their first match, and I think they’ll lose again. Pakistan won an ODI series in Australia, which should have boosted their confidence, but they haven’t looked more different since, Rizwan is a good captain, but maybe their team just isn’t confident. Babar hasn’t been scoring, and even though Rizwan and Salman Agha have hit centuries now and then, the team doesn’t look strong. 

He also spoke about the expensive tickets for the match, saying fans may not get the close contest they expect. "Ticket prices have gone way up, but I don’t think the game will be as thrilling as fans hope. This big match on February 23 might just be one-sided."  

The Legends 90 League 2025 is one of the cricket tournaments involving retired international cricketers. It started on February 6, 2025, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, India. It takes an unusual format where matches have a 90-ball duration-15 overs on both sides-matches are not slow

TEAMS:

• Chhattisgarh Warriors
• Punjabi Sher
• Dubai Giants
• Gujarat Samp Army
• Delhi Royals
• Big Boys
• Rajasthan Kings

Live streaming:

ALSO READ:Ind vs eng 2nd ODI Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

Schedule:

Major Highlights to Watch
Legendary Cricketers are Coming Back to Action: Great players from every corner of the globe will reprise their game.
Fast-paced format: It's a different 90-ball format that brings the match exciting and high scoring.
Intense Rivalries: Watch exciting battles between some of the best icons and teams.
Semi-Finals & Final: All matches promise some edge-of-the-seat action
Top Performances: Keep track of stunning centuries, quick wickets, and game-changing moments.

Tournament OverView

Upcoming T20 style tournament Legends 90 League 2025 expect to have a 90-ball format with legendary players from around the world battling it out. The event will be organized between 8th and 18th of February, 2025 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur Chhattisgarh India.

A novel format aimed at increasing the liveliness and high-speed stuff into cricket the way The Hundred in England but with 90 balls per . It'll consist of seven franchises with a blend of retired international and upcoming Indian player

TEAMS:

1. Big Boys
2. Dubai Giants
3. Delhi Royals
4. Rajasthan Kings
5. Harvana Gladiators
6. Gujrat Samp Army
7. Chhattisgarh Warriors

Schedule: Yet to be announced soon 

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Full Squads:

Haryana Gladiators

Pawan Suyal, Praveen Gupta, Abu Nechim, Anureet Singh, Imran Khan, Asela Gunaratne, Ishank Jaggi, Harbhajan Singh, Nagendra Chaudhary, Rikki Clarke, Peter Trego, Chadwick Walton, Manan Sharma.

Chhattisgarh Warriors

Siddarth Kaul, Sheldon Jackson, Pawan Negi, Kevon Cooper, Suresh Raina, Vishal Kushwaha, Martin Guptill, Abhishek Sakuja, Ambati Rayudu, Amit Verma, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Amit Mishra, Rishi Dhawan, Kalim Khan, Unmukt Chand, Manoj Singh, Abhimanyu Mithun, Colin de Grandhomme.

Dubai Giants

Shakib Al Hasan, Thisara Perera, Kennar Lewis, Kevin O’Brien, Brendan Taylor, Liam Plunkett, Dwayne Smith, Hamilton Masakadza, Richard Levi, Luke Fletcher, Rahul Yadav, Christopher M, Sid Trivedi, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Gujarat Samp Army

Yusuf Pathan, Moeen Ali, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Tiwary, Kesrick Williams, Jesal Karia, Miguel Cummins, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shapoor Zadran, Mohammad Ashraful, William Perkins, Navin Stewart, Abhishek, Chaturanga De Silva, Mausif Khan.

Delhi Royals

Shikhar Dhawan, Lendl Simmons, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Perera, Sahard Lumba, Bipul Sharma, Lakhwinder Singh, Rajwinder Singh, Rayad Emrit, Ross Taylor, Jerome Taylor, Sumit Narwal, Parvinder Awana.

Big Boys

Matt Prior, Ishan Malhotra, Monu Kumar, Chirag Gandhi, Tamim Iqbal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Herschelle Gibbs, Upul Tharanga, Abdur Razzak, Shannon Gabriel, Varun Aaron, Neil Broom, Karamveer Singh, Robin Bist, Naman Sharma, Kapil Rana, Vinod Chanwariya

Rajasthan Kings

Dwayne Bravo, Ankit Rajpoot, Phil Mustard, Shahbaz Nadeem, Faiz Fazal, Shadab Jakati, Jaskaran Malhotra, Imran Tahir, Jaykishan Kolsawala, Rajesh Bishnoi, Corey Anderson, Pankaj Rao, Samiullah Shinwari, Rajat Singh, Ashley Nurse, Dawlat Zadran, Manpreet Gony.

Live Streaming:

Sony Sports Network to air Legend 90 

Harbhajan Singh Predicts Semifinalists for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Harbhajan Singh played cricket for India and he knows a lot about cricket. Harbhajan says India, Australia, Pakistan, and New Zealand will probably be the last four teams in the important 2025 Champions Trophy games. Since he's proficient at guessing right, cricket fans are extremely eager to hear his thoughts.

Harbhajan's Statement

In a recent interview, Harbhajan highlighted the strengths of these teams. He explained,

"Australia and India are always strong contenders in ICC tournaments. But you cannot take Pakistan out of such competitions, especially with them hosting it. New Zealand has also been one of the most consistent teams in recent years. So, these four are my semifinalists."

This prediction reflects Harbhajan's belief in the consistency and competitiveness of these cricketing powerhouses on the world stage.

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Overview

In 2025, there will be the Champions Trophy, and it starts on February 19th. Pakistan is going to get it in their country. The last time they played was in 2017, and Pakistan was the winner.

Group Structure

The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups:

Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B: England, Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, making the group stage highly competitive, especially with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A.

Key Dates and Venues

Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, February 19, 2025, in Karachi

Semifinals: Scheduled for March 4 and 5, 2025

Final: March 9, 2025

Interestingly, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be held in Dubai, as the Indian team has opted to play its matches in the UAE due to political and security concerns.

Harbhajan's Insights on the Teams

India: Harbhajan emphasized India's depth in batting and bowling, making them a formidable side in any conditions.

Australia: With a history of success in ICC events and a balanced squad, Australia remains a favorite.

Pakistan: Playing at home, Pakistan has the advantage of familiarity with the conditions, coupled with a passionate fan base.

New Zealand: Known as the "dark horses" in ICC tournaments, New Zealand has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.