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NEW DELHI: The year 2025 delivered memorable highs for cricket fans worldwide. From Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifting their maiden IPL title to South Africa finally ending their ICC trophy drought, it was a landmark year for the gentleman’s game.

However, alongside historic achievements, cricket also witnessed several controversies that dominated headlines and sparked intense debate across the globe. Here are the top five controversies of 2025.

Also READ: Year Ender 2025: Top defining moments of Indian cricket

1. Asia Cup handshake snub

The Asia Cup 2025 saw India strictly maintain a no handshake policy throughout the tournament against Pakistan, not just in one match. India defeated their arch rivals three times and on each occasion the players returned to the dressing room without post match handshakes.

Pakistan players were left waiting on the field, turning the repeated snub into a major talking point. The stance sparked global debate on sportsmanship, rivalry and the impact of political tensions on cricket.

2. RCB victory celebrations turn tragic

What should have been a historic celebration turned into a nightmare for Indian cricket. On 4 June 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title celebrations were marred by a tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming 11 lives.

The incident sparked massive outrage with politicians and former cricketers questioning the franchise’s role in organising a large rally without adequate permissions or crowd control. RCB later issued a public apology as investigations continued.

3. Mohammed Shami and selection row

India’s senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami found himself at the centre of a major controversy after being excluded from the Australia tour citing fitness concerns. The decision came despite Shami featuring regularly in domestic cricket. Shami publicly maintained that he was fully fit and unaware of any specific issues.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar repeatedly insisted that medical reports raised concerns, leading to a public standoff that raised questions over transparency in selection decisions.

4. Eden Gardens pitch controversy

The India South Africa Test at Eden Gardens ended inside three days, with India losing by 30 runs. Even before the match began, coach Gautam Gambhir had asked for a spin friendly pitch, which was prepared accordingly. After the defeat, the surface came under heavy scrutiny.

Gambhir defended the pitch saying there were no demons, while curator Sujan Mukherjee confirmed he followed instructions. CAB president Sourav Ganguly expressed displeasure as Harbhajan Singh warned such pitches could harm Test cricket.

5. Handshake drama in Manchester

Another handshake controversy unfolded during the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy at Manchester. After India’s lower order resistance led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar denied England a win, Ben Stokes offered an early handshake to end the match.

His remark suggesting the batters were chasing centuries against part timers angered the Indian camp. Jadeja and Sundar refused, batted on to their milestones, and the incident sparked sharp reactions from former players and fans alike.