It is almost impossible for a big league like IPL not to have even one major controversy in any year. This is true in 2026 also. 46 matches have been completed in IPL 2026, and the tournament has already given us some big talk-worthy events.
All these incidents created a huge uproar on social media and also at the ground level. Often, the BCCI has to step in not only to decide the punishment but also to set the record straight regarding any doubts left in the minds of fans or players.
In these articles, we will take a look at the 7 major controversies that have affected IPL 2026 so far:
7. Tristan Stubbs refuses to change gloves
During Match No. 18, CSK vs DC of IPL 2026 in Chennai on April 11, Delhi Capitals’ Tristan Stubbs was refused to change gloves in the middle of an over. The highlight of the match was Sanju Samson’s unbeaten century, but Stubbs also tried his best to keep Delhi afloat while chasing the target of 213 runs.
In the 19th over of the chase, Stubbs asked for a change of batting gloves, but the request was refused. Soon after his request was denied, Stubbs was out and DC ultimately lost the match. As per IPL playing conditions, changes in equipment are not permitted between overs unless there is damage to the gear.
Later, Delhi Capitals player Nitish Rana and head coach Hemang Badani were seen having an animated discussion with the umpires. Rana was later fined 25% of his match fee.
The controversy became bigger when the very next day, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was allowed to change gloves in the middle of an over while batting against RCB. The selective enforcement of the rules did not sit well with fans.
6. Jason Holder’s controversial catch of Rajat Patidar
During Match No. 42, GT vs RCB in Ahmedabad on April 26, RCB captain Rajat Patidar top-edged the ball from left-arm fast bowler Arshad Khan. Near the boundary ropes, GT’s Jason Holder took a brilliant catch.
But a re-look at things revealed that Holder neither had control over the catch nor did he successfully prevent the ball from touching the ground. The third umpire eventually decided that Patidar was out, but this decision also did not go down well with the fans.
Many RCB players including Virat Kohli were seen arguing with the umpires, but the decision remained intact. Patidar’s dismissal led to the collapse of RCB and RCB were all out for 155 runs. The GT chased the target with ease. Holder was named player of the match for taking 3 catches (including Patidar) and 2 wickets.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad complained to BCCI
After the loss to Lucknow Super Giants in match number 10 on April 5, Sunrisers Hyderabad reportedly went to the BCCI with a list of complaints.
The biggest complaint in LSG’s win over SRH was the actions of fast bowler Avesh Khan. LSG captain Rishabh Pant hit a four when his team needed 1 run to win with 2 balls to spare. Except that Avesh batted the ball back into the field of play before the ball actually touched the boundary.
Eagle-eyed fans thought the charge might have been involved in unfair play, and an appeal would have given LSG a five-run penalty and left them with more to chase. However, the umpires made it clear that even though Avesh Khan’s actions could be considered amateurish, they were certainly not illegal.
There were no fielders around the ball, meaning that Avesh Khan did not prevent any fielders from hitting the boundary, and therefore, the laws surrounding dead ball or unfair play could not be applied.
SRH’s complaints did not stop here. Reportedly, the franchise also complained about some of the catches taken against their team. Notably, by Phil Salt of RCB in match no. 1 and by Varun Chakravarthy of KKR in match no. 6. Both catches were close calls taken near the boundary and were eventually declared out.
4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was given out for obstructing the field.
During Match No. 38, LSG vs KKR in Lucknow on April 26, KKR batsman Abkhakrish Raghuvanshi joined a unique list of players who included Yusuf Pathan, Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja before him.
In the fifth over, Raghuvanshi hit the ball from Prince Yadav towards mid-on, where Mohammed Shami picked it up. Raghuvanshi tried to take a single, but his partner Cameron Green refused to take a single and sent Raghuvanshi back. Shami’s ball hits Raghuvanshi and LSG appeals.
The third umpire determined that Raghuvanshi had seen the ball before it swung and deliberately changed his running direction, causing the ball to hit him. This was enough for him to be considered out for obstructing the field.
After the match, Raghuvanshi was fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point because he had hit the boundary cushion with the bat after being dismissed, and also threw his helmet in frustration in the dressing room.
3. Riyan Parag found vaping in the dressing room
On April 28, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was caught vaping during his team’s win over Punjab Kings in Match No. 40 of IPL 2026. TV cameras had seen Parag lighting an e-cigarette.
This incident caused an uproar because vaping/e-cigarettes are actually banned in India. Although RR ended Punjab’s unbeaten streak in this match, Parag personally did not find a reason to celebrate.
The BCCI fined Parag 25% of his match fee and gave him one demerit point for bringing the game into disrepute.
2. BCCI cracks down on ‘girlfriend culture’
A new report in Dainik Jagran says that BCCI wants to crack down on the girlfriends of players traveling with them during the IPL. The board is primarily concerned about the partners traveling and staying with the team.
The BCCI is also concerned about the fact that most of the players’ girlfriends are either completely influential or at least have a strong presence on social media. It seems the board feels this puts sensitive information at risk, as many of these influencers have promoted betting sites in the past.
After India lost to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in early 2025, the BCCI made several strict rules for the Indian team regarding how long their families would be allowed on the tour. Implementing strict rules in the IPL seemed like a nightmare as the focus had to be on 10 IPL teams instead of one Indian team.
The board is also concerned about the reputation and professionalism of IPL. Dainik Jagran’s report also states that a case has been filed against some IPL players by their female colleagues in the police.
1. RR manager caught using phone in dugout
During Match No. 16 of IPL 2026 (RR vs RCB in Guwahati on April 10), Rajasthan Royals were embroiled in their first major controversy of the season. During RR’s win over the defending champions, team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a cell phone in the team dugout.
As per the IPL PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol, “Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used in the PMOA.” This area includes dressing rooms, players’ external match viewing areas, TV/third umpire area, match referee’s room, players’ and match officials’ dining areas, dugouts and any other areas specified by the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Manager.
Only the designated team analyst is allowed to take electronic devices into the dugout. Team managers are also allowed to have an electronic device with them, but only in the dressing room, not in the dugout.
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