Secret Lives of IPL Fans: ‘Player Aunty Blessings’ to ‘Chapri’ Controversy - Most Outrageous Moments From 2008 to IPL 2025

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​The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to be a source of thrilling cricketing action, delivering unforgettable moments both on and off the field. As the 2025 season unfolds, it has already been marked by several controversies that have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

From contentious player selections and on-field incidents to debates over new regulations, IPL 2025 adds to the rich tapestry of the tournament's history. Here are some of the most remarkable and outrageous incidents from IPL's history!

"Prayer Aunty" Phenomenon (IPL 2017)

During the 2017 IPL final between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), an elderly lady in the stands caught the attention of viewers worldwide. As MI faced a challenging situation, this woman was seen fervently praying with closed eyes and folded hands. Her passionate prayers coincided with MI's miraculous turnaround, leading to their victory by just one run. The internet quickly dubbed her the "Prayer Aunty."

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan revealed her identity as Purnima Dalal, Nita Ambani's mother, affectionately known as "Nani" and considered the team's lucky charm.

"Chapri" Chant Incident (IPL 2024)

In a match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in March 2024, a section of the Ahmedabad crowd targeted MI captain Hardik Pandya with chants of "Chapri-Chapri." The term "chapri" is a colloquial slang used to describe someone perceived as unsophisticated or flashy. This public display of disapproval was unusual, highlighting the intense emotions cricket can evoke among fans.

Language Dispute Involving RCB Fans (IPL 2025)

During the inaugural event of IPL 2025, renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal introduced each team with their own songs. This approach led to a controversy among local fans, particularly those of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The fans felt that the language used in the introductions was not representative of their regional identity, leading to heated discussions on social media platforms.

The "Mankading" Debate (IPL 2019)

During the 2019 season, Kings XI Punjab's (now Punjab Kings) Ravichandran Ashwin 'mankaded' Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler, dismissing him at the non-striker's end before the ball was bowled. This act ignited a global debate on the spirit of the game versus its laws, with opinions divided on the fairness of such dismissals.

Fan Criticism of Hindi Commentary Quality (IPL 2025)

A fan expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of Hindi commentary during IPL 2025, stating that it lacked the depth and informativeness of previous years. The fan's feedback highlighted that current commentators often resort to sarcastic one-liners, making it challenging for viewers to connect with the game. Harbhajan Singh, a member of the Hindi commentary panel, acknowledged the feedback and promised to improve the quality moving forward.

The "Monkeygate" Scandal (IPL 2008)

In the inaugural IPL season, a heated exchange between Rajasthan Royals' Shane Warne and Kings XI Punjab's Luke Pomersbach led to allegations of racial abuse. The incident, reminiscent of the earlier "Monkeygate" controversy in international cricket, marred the tournament's early days and prompted discussions on player conduct and racial sensitivity.

These incidents, among others, have contributed to the rich tapestry of IPL's history, showcasing the passion, drama, and unpredictability that the tournament is known for.