Top Fights in IPL That Took Drama to Another Level!

Fights in IPL: Cricket’s Most Explosive On‑Field Showdowns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is cricket’s ultimate entertainment cocktail—featuring massive sixes, nerve‑wrecking finishes, fanfare, glitz…and occasional on‑field Fights in IPL that go viral. While T20’s intensity fuels thrill, it sometimes sparks tempers that boil over. From bat‑throwing to punches threatened, these fiery episodes did more than grab headlines—they challenged the spirit of the game. Let’s break down the biggest Fights in IPL, exploring what happened, why it occurred, financial penalties, public views, and lasting consequences.

Some of the Unforgettable Fights in IPL Moments

1. Kieron Pollard vs Mitchell Starc (IPL 2014)

• What happened?
  In the 17th over of MI’s innings at Wankhede Stadium, Starc bowled a bouncer to West Indies all‑rounder Kieron Pollard, who failed to hook it. Starc allegedly taunted Pollard, prompting the batsman to pull away from the crease on the next delivery. Ignoring the delay, Starc hurled the ball towards Pollard’s legs. Infuriated, Pollard threw his bat in Starc’s direction—luckily it missed. cricket.com 
• Why it occurred:
  The unsportsmanlike sledging and Starc’s refusal to abort his run‑up escalated tensions. 

• Consequences & fines: 
  • Pollard: fined 50% of his match fee. 
  • Starc: fined 75% of his match fee.
    Both were charged under the IPL Code of Conduct for bringing the game into disrepute. 
• Public views:
  Fans and pundits decried the bat‑throwing, labeling it a low‑blow even by T20 standards. ESPNcricinfo’s editor Nagraj Gollapudi suggested harsher penalties were warranted. en.wikipedia.org 

2. Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir (IPL 2013)

• What happened?
  During a high‑stakes RCB vs KKR clash at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli was dismissed via a crafty trap set by bowler Laxmipathy Balaji. Instead of heading back, Kohli stormed towards the KKR dressing room, demanding to know what was said to him. Gambhir, KKR’s captain, approached Kohli, and the two exchanged heated expletives before teammates and umpires intervened. 
• Why it occurred:
  Competitive aggression, compounded by on‑field sledging, boiled over when Kohli felt mocked by opposing players. 

• Consequences & fines:
  No official fines or suspensions were reported for this encounter, but both players faced public scrutiny for lacking “fair play.” 
• Public views:
  While some fans relished the intensity—as proof that top athletes fiercely defend their pride—others lamented the breach of cricketing etiquette. 

3. Sreesanth vs Harbhajan Singh (“Slapgate,” IPL 2008)

• What happened?
  After MI lost to Kings XI Punjab at Mohali, Sree Santh taunted MI’s stand‑in captain Harbhajan Singh. In response, Harbhajan slapped the Kerala pacer on the shoulder. The image of Sreesanth in tears dominated media bulletins worldwide. 
• Why it occurred:
  Post‑match rancor over sledging, aggravated by Sreesanth’s continuous verbal provocation. 

• Consequences & fines: 
  • Harbhajan: fined his entire match fee and banned for 11 matches—the heaviest punishment in IPL history. 
  • Sreesanth: no suspension, but was fined for breaching conduct norms. 
• Public views:
  Dubbed “Slapgate,” the incident sparked debates about player behavior. Many felt Harbhajan’s reaction was indefensible, while some sympathized with the pressure bowlers face in hostile away crowds. 

4. Virat Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq (IPL 2023)

• What happened?
  In IPL 2023, Kohli and Lucknow’s young fast bowler Naveen‑ul‑Haq clashed on‑field after an RCB loss at Ekana Stadium. Post‑match sledging spilled over when Kohli gestured towards the pitch, and Gambhir intervened to calm the scene. 
• Why it occurred:
  Emotions ran high after a surprising upset; Kohli felt disrespected by Naveen’s celebration gestures. 

• Consequences & fines: 
  • Kohli & Gambhir: fined 100% of match fees. 
  • Naveen‑ul‑Haq: fined 50% of match fees. 
• Public views:
  Fans were divided: some condemned Kohli’s public display of irritation, while others defended his right to stand up to perceived disrespect. 

5. Digvesh Rathi vs Abhishek Sharma (IPL 2025)

• What happened?
  In a tense league fixture on 19 May 2025, LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi dismissed SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and celebrated by mimicking hair‑tying gestures. Abhishek retaliated with a hair‑pulling motion. Teammates and umpires separated the duo before it could escalate further. 
• Why it occurred:
  Digvesh’s repeated “notebook” celebrations provoked Abhishek, who saw them as disrespectful. 

• Consequences & fines: 
  • Digvesh: fined his match fee and suspended for one match. 
  • Abhishek: fined for breaching the conduct code. 
• Public views:
  Social media debates raged: some called for stricter BCCI intervention to curb sledging culture, while others hailed the passion on display. 

Why Do Fights in IPL Matter?

• Integrity of the Game: Physical or verbal altercations challenge cricket’s reputation as a sport of gentlemanly conduct. 
• Fan Engagement: While controversy drives viewership, excessive aggression risks alienating traditional fans. 
• Code of Conduct Enforcement: The IPL’s disciplinary measures—fines, suspensions and match‑fee deductions—serve as deterrents but also spark debate over consistency and fairness.

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Beyond the Bluster: Lessons Learned

1. Respect Opponents: Players are reminded that sledging should never cross into personal abuse or violence. 
2. Maintain Composure: Elite athletes are expected to rise above provocations, preserving the sport’s decorum. 
3. Fair Enforcement: The IPL must continue refining its Code of Conduct to ensure penalties match the severity of the offense. 

Conclusion

Fights in IPL—from Pollard’s bat‑throwing to Harbhajan’s slap—underscore the fierce competitiveness that defines T20 cricket. They serve as cautionary tales about how passion can teeter into unsportsmanlike conduct. As the league evolves, balancing fiery intensity with respect and discipline will be key to maintaining the IPL’s global appeal.

Whether you cheer for the on‑field rivalry or lament the slide from sportsmanship, these iconic IPL altercations will remain etched in cricketing lore—ever reminding us that in the heat of battle, even the best can lose their cool.

Some Faqs

Q1: What was the most recent fight in IPL?

A: The latest major fight occurred in IPL 2025 between Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma, which led to serious tension, heavy fines, and sparked a massive debate among fans and experts.

Q2: Which IPL fight is known as “Slapgate”?

A: The infamous Slapgate refers to the 2008 incident where Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. It remains one of the most shocking moments in IPL history.

Q3: Are players fined or punished for fights in IPL?

A: Yes, absolutely. The BCCI and IPL Governing Council impose heavy fines and even match suspensions. For example:

• Harbhajan was banned for the season in 2008. 
• Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match fees in 2023.