5 controversies that rocked cricket in 2018

2018 will be remembered for the highly competitive Test series played between India and England, India and South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan. It will also be the year when Chennai Super Kings came back in the IPL by winning their third IPL title. And last but not the least, it will be remembered as the year when the great AB de Villiers hung up his boots in international cricket.

The year was filled with some nerve-wracking tight finishes, some record-breaking matches and some unbelievable cricket. However, 2018 had its own share of controversies.

Amidst the great cricketing action, there were a lot of, sometimes unneeded, controversies. The number of players who crossed the line and awarded demerit points was certainly higher than it was in the previous year. Also, there were questions raised about players' integrity and the spirit of cricket, or the lack of it, in 2018.

Here, we look back at the five major controversies that rocked the cricketing world in 2018.

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#5 Shocking allegations put on Mohammed Shami by his wife

Shami and Hasin during happier times

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami's reputation suffered a major jolt when his wife Hasin Jahan accused the cricketer of some shocking allegations like domestic violence, infidelity and attempted murder. She also filed an FIR against Shami for forging his age. The News spread like a raging fire and was intensely covered by various media houses.

Fortunately for Shami, BCCI backed him all the way through and helped him overcome the mental trauma and his injury to get back on the cricket field. The fast bowler has shown great heart and hasn't let his personal problems affect his game, performing exceedingly well for Team India in 2018. On the other hand, Hasin Jahan has resumed her modelling and acting career.

#4 Power games in Indian Women cricket

Raj walks back to the dugout

Ramesh Powar was appointed the coach of the Indian Women's cricket team ahead of the World T20. Players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were full of praise for the former India off-spinner and his coaching methods.

The off-field positive energy translated in India's performance as the team stormed into the semi-finals. But this is the time when controversy struck. Mithali Raj, the senior most Woman cricketer in the country, despite hitting back-to-back fifties in the tournament was left out of the playing XI for the crucial semi-final.

The Indian batting line-up suffered a major collapse which resulted in an embarrassing defeat for the team. Mithali Raj was hurt and saddened by the treatment that she received from the coach. On the other hand, Powar accused Raj of blackmailing and putting her interest before that of the team.

Despite the support of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, Powar was eventually axed.

#3 Bangladesh's infamous 'Nagin Dance'

Team India appreciating Sri Lankan crowd for their support in the final

Bangladeshi players have often been criticised for their on-field behaviour. The country takes it's cricket very seriously and plays the sport passionately. But in the process, they cross the line more often than not.

In the Nidahas trophy earlier this year, the Bangladesh team was involved in a lot of altercations with the hosts, Sri Lanka. Tempers were flying so high that at one stage Shakib Al Hasan contemplated forfeiting the match because of an umpiring decision. After winning the match, the Bangladeshi players went berserk and celebrated the victory with the Naagin dance. This did not go well with the Sri Lankan supporters who came in huge numbers to support the Indian team in the final.

The Indian team won the dramatic final with Dinesh Karthik hitting a six off the final delivery much to the joy of the crowd, who then mocked the Bangladeshi players by doing the Nagin dance. The Bangladesh team certainly lost some fans during the tri-series.

#2 Virat Kohli's Leave India comments

Kohli has been in controversies for his off-field comments

Virat Kohli had yet another fantastic year with the bat. The Indian captain broke a barrage of records during the course of the year and without a doubt is the best batsman in World Cup. However, his on-field tactics and off-field comments received a lot of flak.

During the launch of his app on his birthday, the 30-year-old reacted strongly on a message by a critical fan. The fan had posted that "Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians".

After reading out the message Kohli replied "Okay, I don't think you should live in India then...you should go and live somewhere else, no? Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right".

Kohli's reaction went viral on social media and the ace batsman was criticised heavily for the same. Former players, cricket pundits and even Bollywood actors got involved in the matter. BCCI cautioned Kohli to be more cautious about his words in the future.

#1 Sandpaper gate

Bancroft and Smith in conversation with the umpires

Australia is known for playing hard cricket. The Kangaroos are known for their aggressive intent and their appetite for winning. Unfortunately, the other side of this win-at-all-cost was witnessed by the world this year.

With each team winning a match, the series was hung in balance when the two teams met at Newlands for the third Test. The Proteas had the upper hand after the first two days and Australia desperately needed wickets to get back in the match. That is when Cameron Bancroft was seen rubbing the ball with a small yellow object, which was later found to be sandpaper. It was later found out that the Australians were tampering the ball in order to help their bowlers get more swing.

This shocked the cricketing world and resulted in a major backlash from the fans all around the world. The Australians were accused of cheating and fingers were pointed at Australia's cricket culture and their general attitude towards the game. Cricket Australia eventually imposed a one-year ban on captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner and a nine-month ban on Cameron Bancroft.