6 Worst Umpiring Decisions in IPL History – From No Ball Blunders to Wrong Run Short Calls

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The Indian Premier League (IPL), while a spectacle of exhilarating cricket, is frequently marred by controversial umpiring decisions. These incidents have ignited fan outrage and sparked debates about the standard of officiating.

Not only have these contentious decisions ignited debate among fans, the umpiring standards have been questioned by experts and players themselves. Even the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Heinrich Klaasen among others have lost their cool. Here are some of the most notable examples of worst umpiring decisions in IPL history:

1. Dhoni Loses Cool in Rare Instance: RR vs CSK (2019)

During a tense match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with CSK needing 8 runs off 3 balls, Ben Stokes bowled a full toss, which saw umpire Ulhas Gandhe initially signal a no-ball for height, but leg umpire Bruce Oxenford overruled the decision.

This led to an unprecedented scene where CSK captain MS Dhoni, who is known for his calm demeanour, entered the field and engaged in a heated argument with Oxenford. Despite replays suggesting the delivery was a no-ball, Oxenford's decision stood.

In the end, it did not hurt CSK as Santner hit the last ball off the innings for a six to help his team pull off the chase. Despite CSK's win there was much talk about the umpiring decision and Dhoni's entry to the field.

2. Malinga's No-Ball: RCB vs MI (2019)

In a crucial last-ball scenario, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) needing 7 runs, Lasith Malinga of Mumbai Indians (MI) bowled a clear overstepping no-ball. Umpire S. Ravi failed to detect the infringement.

RCB lost the match after Shivam Dube failed to make connection with the ball and ended up scoring no runs of the delivery. Virat Kohli, then RCB captain, expressed his strong displeasure, stating, "We are playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have had their eyes open."

3. Run Short Error: DC vs PBKS (2020)

During a league stage match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), there was a huge controversy after KXIP batter was adjudged for a run short, which eventually led to a super over and cost the team the match.

Kings XI could have won the game in the regulation overs had umpire Menon, stationed at square leg, not deemed Chris Jordan to be a run short. The incident happened on the second ball of the 19th over when Mayank Agarwal tapped the ball towards mid-on to complete two runs.

Menon, however, decided otherwise and only a single was added to the scoreboard. TV replays showed Jordan turned for a second run only after dragging his bat inside the crease for the first run.

Despite the error, Agarwal kept his cool and hit the next ball for four to bring the deficit down to 1 off 3 balls, but three successive dot balls from Marcus Stoinis, including two wickets, forced the contest into the Super Over, in which PBKS managed just 2 runs, and DC chased down the score in just 2 balls.

4. DRS Error: PBKS vs RCB (2021)

In a league stage match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and RCB, a caught-behind appeal against Devdutt Padikkal was reviewed after the on-field umpire deemed the RCB opener as not out.

Despite clear evidence from UltraEdge showing the ball contacting Padikkal's bat, on-field umpire K. Srinivasan's decision was upheld by the third umpire, KN Ananthapadmanabhan to the amazement of several experts and fans.

This controversial decision led to PBKS captain KL Rahul getting into an in an animated discussion with the umpires to no avail as PBKS eventually lost the match by 6 runs, falling short in the run-chase of 165.

5. Pant's Forfeit Threat: DC vs RR (2022)

During a high-scoring match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and RR, Rowan Powell of DC hit a series of sixes, including a full toss that DC captain Rishabh Pant and the dug out believed was a no-ball for height.

On-field umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan did not signal a no-ball, nor did they refer the decision to the third umpire. Pant reacted strongly, threatening to forfeit the match and calling Powell and Kuldeep Yadav off the field.

The incident also saw assistant coach Pravin Amre entering the field of play to question the decision, leading to a bizarre display of sportsmanship. After DC eventually lost to RR, DC captain Pant and assistant coach Amre were both fined 100% of their match fees, with the latter also handed a one-match ban.

6. Klaasen's No-Ball Dispute: SRH vs LSG (2023)

In a match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a waist-high delivery from Avesh Khan to Heinrich Klaasen was initially given a no-ball. LSG reviewed the decision, and the TV umpire, Yeshwant Barde, overturned the on-field call.

This decision left Klaasen and the SRH management visibly frustrated. Klaasen later expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, criticizing "poor umpiring." He was subsequently fined 10% of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.