5 most controversial overseas incidents in Indian cricket

#2 The Mike Denness fiasco

Mike Denness

Back in 2001, this became, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest controversy that the Indian cricket team were involved in on an overseas trip. Former England captain Mike Denness might not be known much for his exploits on the cricket field but the events of 19th and 20th November 2001 made him a household name in India.

The 2nd Test at Port Elizabeth was an up-and-down affair with India looking to hold on for a draw on the final day, however, it was the incredible range of punishments handed out by Mike Denness that overshadowed the proceedings on the cricket field.

Six Indian cricketers were meted out punishments by Denness. Harbhajan Singh, Deep Dasgupta, Shiv Sundar Das and Virender Sehwag were all banned for one Test due to excessive appealing. Sachin Tendulkar was banned for one Test due to ball-tampering charges. TV footage showed that Tendulkar was cleaning the seam but the on-field umpires reported nothing. However, the most bizarre punishment went to captain Sourav Ganguly, who was banned for a Test and two one-dayers for failing to control his players.

The Indian team played out a draw but there were rumours afloat that the team would no longer play in South Africa if Denness remained the match referee. Incredibly, the South African board succumbed to India's demands and removed Denness, which made the third Test an unofficial one.