Top 5 controversies in the history of Indian Cricket

#3 The Sydney Test Controversy - January 2008

The tension between the Indian and Australian camp was unbelievable during the Test Match

India's test match at the SCG on their 2007-08 tour of Australia is considered as one of the most controversial test matches ever played in the history of the game. Nine wrong umpiring decisions marred the game which resulted in India losing the closely fought match.

Michael Clarke controversially caught Ganguly at slip. While the replays were inconclusive whether the ball grassed the surface or not, Ricky Ponting raised his finger to signal out. Infuriated India captain Anil Kumble commented that "only one team had played in the spirit of the game."

Upon BCCI's demand, ICC removed Steve Bucknor for the Third test match and replaced him with Billy Bowden.

The issue took a different dimension when Symonds accused Harbhajan Singh of racial abuse and match referee Mike Procter banned the off-spinner for three test matches. India almost withdrew from the tour because of the unfair ban on their ace spinner, but ICC intervened to reduce the tension between the two countries.

ICC formed a disciplinary committee to look into the issue which prompted India to continue the tour. The fiery Indian side then went on to win the next Test Match at Perth. On 28 January, the disciplinary committee lifted Harbhajan's three-match Test ban and handed him a match fine, ending this bitter saga.