IPL 2025: 5 instances when umpiring decisions caused major controversy

IPL 2025: 5 instances when umpiring decisions caused major controversy (Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

The has witnessed its share of controversies every season, and the 2025 season of the mega tournament hasn't been any exception. As always, the drama was not limited to players and coaches, the umpires once again found themselves at the centre of heated debates. In one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, umpiring controversies are a recurring one.

While umpires occasionally make headlines for good reasons, they are often in the spotlight for questionable decisions on the field, which stir debates online. This season, too, several umpiring decisions sparked major controversies and drew criticism from fans, experts, and players. Here, CricTracker takes a look at five such umpiring decisions from IPL 2025 that stirred significant controversy.

Top 5 instances when umpiring decisions caused major controversies 5. Shubman Gill's heated exchange after run-out vs SRH Abhishek-Sharma-and-Shubman-Gill. (Photo source: X)

Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper was at the centre of a debatable run-out decision during a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. Gill was clearly short of the crease, but the argument came over whether the bails were dislodged by the ball or by SRH keeper Heinrich Klaasen’s glove.

The Third Umpire Michael Gough took considerable time to review it before ruling Gill out. The replays showed Klaasen’s glove made contact near the stumps as he attempted the deflection. The decision left Gill furious, and was seen expressing his frustration loudly to an official in the dugout.

4. Mitchell Starc’s penalty for back foot no ball vs RR Mitchell-Starc. (Photo source: X)

Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer was involved in a controversial no-ball call during a Super Over clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025. Starc bowled the fourth delivery of the Super Over which went for four and was also given a no-ball due to a back foot infringement, where his foot landed beyond the return crease.

According to the rule book, it was an illegal delivery. But, the decision sparked controversy because in an earlier match, Vignesh Puthur of Mumbai Indians (MI) delivered a similar ball while touching the return crease but no action was taken.

3. Dewald Brevis denied DRS vs RCB Dewald-Brevis. (Photo source: X)

Proteas batter , representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was involved in a controversial dismissal against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Brevis was given out lbw to a delivery from Lungi Ngidi. As he asked for a review after consulting with Ravindra Jadeja, but umpire Nitin Menon ruled that the 15-second window to opt for DRS had expired.

But, no timer was visible on the big screen, which left the batters confused. Despite Brevis signalling late, the umpire asked the batter to walk off. The lack of a timer sparked outrage among fans and experts, which led to heated discussions.

2. Jitesh Sharma run-out withdrawal vs LSG Jitesh-Sharma-and-Rishabh-Pant. (Photo source: X)

In a crucial league stage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), spinner ran RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma out at the non-striker’s end. The replay showed Jitesh’s bat was in the air when the stumps were broken, but the third umpire ruled him not out, while stating that Rathi had completed his delivery stride and crossed the crease.

This brought in some more confusion, after LSG captain Rishabh Pant withdrew the appeal after the decision was shown on the big screen. It was also seen as an act of sportsman spirit, but the moment raised doubts which have birth to some disputable discussions.

1. Ishan Kishan’s walks away vs Mumbai Indians Ishan-Kishan. (Photo source: X)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter was at the centre of an umpiring controversy during a match against his former team, Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025. Kishan, while attempting to flick a delivery from Deepak Chahar down the leg side, was given out in bizarre fashion. The umpire initially half raised before suddenly raising his finger, even though MI players barely appealed.

Kishan walked off the field before the umpire gave his solid decision. In the replay, the UltraEdge technology confirmed there was no bat involved. The incident drew criticism from fans and experts, which made it one of the season’s most debated moments.