Big controversies of 2025 (Photo: PTI)
Controversies in Cricket: The year 2025 is about to go. And, the new year is about to come. But, during this period, many controversies were seen arising in cricket. Some of these happened on the cricket field and some outside the field. However, out of all those controversies, there were 5 controversies which remained in the headlines the most. Let us look at those 5 big controversies of the year 2025 one by one.
Smriti Mandhana-Palash Muchhal marriage controversy
After winning the title of Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Smriti Mandhana started preparing for her marriage with her boyfriend Palash Muchhal. The marriage of both was to take place on 23 November this year. But, at 4 pm on the day of the wedding, suddenly the news came that Smriti’s father’s health had deteriorated, due to which he was admitted to the hospital. After some time, Smriti’s manager gave a statement that due to her father’s ill health, Smriti has decided to postpone the marriage.
The very next day i.e. on 24th November, Smriti again created a stir by removing the wedding photos and videos from her social media. And, the news came that Palash’s health also deteriorated. But on November 25, a woman named Mary DeCosta shared some screenshots on social media, after which the whole story changed. In that screenshot, Palash was seen flirting while chatting with that woman. As the rumors regarding marriage gained momentum, finally both Smriti and Palash came forward and confessed about the breakup of their relationship.
Asia Cup 2025 India-Pakistan handshake controversy
Who can forget the handshake controversy that took place between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup match in the year 2025. This match is being played after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In such a situation, there was immense anger. Despite that terrorist attack, the Indian team played that match with Pakistan but did not shake hands with the Pakistani players.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy
In the Asia Cup 2025, the teams of India and Pakistan had clashed thrice and on all three occasions India had defeated Pakistan. India had beaten Pakistan in the final for the last time in the tournament, after which Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi. Suryakumar Yadav had taken this decision because Mohsin Naqvi is not only the PCB Chairman but is also the Home Minister of Pakistan.
After Suryakumar boycotted, Mohsin Naqvi left with the trophy, after which the Indian team celebrated the victory without the trophy. When the matter escalated, Mohsin Naqvi demanded a formal ceremony to give the trophy to Team India, which BCCI did not accept. It has been more than 3 months since Team India won the Asia Cup. But he has not received the trophy yet.
Stampede at RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru
For the first time in IPL history, RCB won the trophy, after which a victory parade was taken out in Bengaluru. But that celebratory atmosphere turned into a tragic accident. The stampede that broke out outside the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium due to poor crowd management took away many lives and many people were injured. There was a lot of uproar regarding this incident.
India-England Manchester Test handshake controversy
A handshake controversy also took place in Manchester this year. The matter is related to the fourth Test played on the England tour, in which Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar refused to shake hands with Ben Stokes and his teammates at Old Trafford, Manchester. Although India had increased its lead in the first innings, hence a draw was certain, but Jadeja and Washington were trying to score centuries, hence did not shake hands. That controversy came into limelight during that test.