The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) was as intense as ever, with players giving it their all to help their respective teams lift the coveted title. When the competition is fierce, it brings out certain reactions in players that they may regret later on. However, when the stakes are so high, emotions can get the better of individuals.
During the recently concluded season, there were some glaring controversial instances where umpiring debates and tactical friction led to fiery moments.
Here are the 5 most controversial moments from IPL 2026
5. Tim David gives explicit salute
Tim David let his emotions get to him as he was seen making an obscene gesture after RCB’s win against the Mumbai Indians in Raipur. It was a tight match, with RCB winning off the last ball, and it helped them move to the top of the table.
After the winning runs were scored, David showed his middle fingers while celebrating alongside his teammates. Mumbai Indians were eliminated after this defeat, and the Australian batter rubbed salt into their wounds. David was eventually fined 30 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct and also handed two demerit points.
