The IPL 2026 season produced plenty of on-field drama this week, but it was the off-field moments that grabbed just as many headlines. From a disputed
concussion substitution to bizarre viral claims and a revived personal feud dating back to the league's early days, several incidents sparked intense debate across the cricket world.
Here's a look at the biggest IPL controversies that dominated discussion this week.
Mitchell Santner concussion substitute decision sparks debate
One of the biggest controversies unfolded during the Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings clash after Mitchell Santner was replaced by Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute.
The incident began when Santner completed a diving catch but appeared to hurt his shoulder in the process. Later in the match, Shardul Thakur walked out as a concussion substitute, immediately drawing attention and raising questions about whether the replacement followed proper protocol.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene later clarified the situation, stating that Santner had experienced dizziness after the incident and was taken for medical evaluation. According to the team, the substitution request was made only after symptoms suggested a possible concussion, with the final approval coming from the match referee and umpires.
The controversy largely centred on whether Shardul Thakur qualified as a like-for-like replacement, which is a requirement under concussion substitute rules. Television visuals appeared to show a shoulder injury rather than a head impact, adding to the confusion and fuelling debate among fans and analysts.
Despite the explanation, the decision remained a major talking point, especially as the match ended in a heavy defeat for Mumbai Indians - their largest loss in IPL history.
'Black magic' viral claims add bizarre twist to SRH vs CSK clash
Another unusual controversy emerged during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings match after a viral video triggered widespread speculation involving so-called "black magic. "
The controversy began when footage showed a fan appearing to perform a lemon-based ritual moments before Shivam Dube was dismissed at a crucial stage of the game. The timing of the wicket, combined with the viral nature of the video, quickly turned the moment into a major online talking point.
Soon after, an alleged letter claiming involvement from team representatives began circulating online, adding further confusion. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi publicly dismissed the letter as fake but added remarks suggesting that unusual practices had allegedly occurred in the league in the past.
The lack of official confirmation did little to slow speculation, as fans continued debating the incident across social media platforms.
The moment also coincided with a shift in match momentum, as Sunrisers Hyderabad clawed back into the contest after Dube's dismissal and eventually sealed the win.
Slapgate tensions return as Sreesanth targets Harbhajan
Nearly two decades after the infamous 2008 IPL slapgate incident, tensions resurfaced between former India cricketers Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh.
Sreesanth accused Harbhajan of profiting from the original controversy through a television advertisement that reportedly referenced the incident in a humorous manner. According to Sreesanth, turning the episode into commercial content crossed a line, particularly after years of apparent reconciliation between the two players.
He stated that the advertisement reopened old wounds and revealed that he has now blocked Harbhajan on social media, signalling a complete breakdown in their relationship.
The original slapgate incident dates back to April 2008, when Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the season after allegedly slapping Sreesanth during post-match handshakes. The episode became one of the earliest viral controversies in IPL history and remains one of the league's most talked-about incidents.
This latest exchange has once again brought that chapter back into public discussion, highlighting how unresolved tensions can resurface even years later.
Why these controversies became the biggest talking points this week
Each of these incidents captured attention for different reasons, but together they highlighted how quickly narratives can shift during a high-profile tournament.
The Santner substitution controversy raised questions about concussion protocols and fairness. The viral "black magic" episode showed how social media can amplify unusual moments into national talking points. Meanwhile, the renewed slapgate dispute demonstrated how historical incidents can continue to shape modern cricket conversations.
With IPL 2026 moving deeper into its competitive phase, the spotlight is likely to remain just as intense on off-field drama as it is on performances between the wickets.
