Top 5 cricket controversies that shocked fans in 2025

Crictracker

Cricket in 2025 had drama both on and off the field. High-pressure matches went on to make headlines not only for the contest but the controversy around it.

Decisions by officials were dissected frame by frame,

technology triggered heated debates, and administrative calls were criticized. While the game continued to produce exciting action, it was the constant off-and-on-field drama that generated immense eyeballs.

Here are 5 cricket controversies that shocked fans in 2025

5. Ben Duckett's video amid drinking allegations

England opener Ben Duckett made headlines after a video surfaced on social media during the Ashes tour, allegedly showing him drunk and struggling to find his way back to the team hotel in Noosa. The clip went viral during England’s planned mid-series break between the second and third Tests, a period organised to help players mentally reset after going 0-2 down in the series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) quickly accepted the video and said it was working to establish the facts, stressing its high expectations of player behaviour. Managing director Rob Key confirmed an investigation based on initial feedback and stated the squad had largely been well behaved.

What is this behaviour from Ben Duckett😭😭. He was completely out of his mind after drinking a lot. Disappointing Attitude. We need to be serious. pic.twitter.com/KVsCbv73jX
— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) December 23, 2025

4. Snicko technology under the scanner

Snicko technology came under criticism during the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval in the 2025-26 series, following back-to-back controversial decisions. The incident took place on Day 1 when England’s review of a caught-behind appeal against Alex Carey was incorrectly overturned due to operator error, a mistake later admitted by BBG Sports, the suppliers of Snicko.

On Day 2, when Australia were shocked after Jamie Smith was given not out following a Snicko check that showed the ball hit his helmet, not glove, off Pat Cummins’ bowling. Mitchell Starc slammed the technology, saying Snicko needs to be sacked. Notably, Smith was later dismissed in another marginal call involving a delayed spike. Former umpire Simon Taufel and ex-players like Ricky Ponting criticised over-reliance on technology, calling for better systems and the return of the soft signal.

England were convinced that Alex Carey was gone, but what's your take here?#Ashes | #DRSChallenge | @Westpac pic.twitter.com/g7bp7ptQXO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2025

3. India's no-handshake stance

India’s no-handshake decision during the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan is another controversy on this list. Acting in collaboration with the BCCI and with approval from the Indian government, the Men in Blue decided before the match that there would be no exchange of handshakes, terming it a goodwill gesture rather than a mandatory rule. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later revealed that the team wanted to just play the game amid heightened political tensions.

However, Pakistan lodged a formal complaint, calling the decision against the spirit of cricket, while captain Salman Agha skipped post-match duties as a mark of protest. The issue soon led to a match referee controversy. ICC referee Andy Pycroft, who conveyed the no-handshake message minutes before the toss, was accused by the PCB of misconduct. The ICC later cleared Pycroft, terming the episode a case of miscommunication rather than a breach of protocol.

2. Asia Cup Trophy

India’s Asia Cup 2025 final win over Pakistan in Dubai led to confusion and controversy over the trophy presentation. After Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 guided the Men in Blue to a five-wicket win, players and fans were left waiting for over an hour as the post-match ceremony was delayed.

When the presentation finally began close to midnight, it was witnessed that the Indian team had chosen not to receive the Asia Cup trophy or medals from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and PCB chief. While individual award winners collected their cheques from other officials, the team stayed away from the formal trophy handover. With no silverware on stage, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates celebrated with a mock trophy. Many videos of the trophy being taken away also circulated, drawing immense attention and reaction.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🫶🇮🇳#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/D6xOiApFEv
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2025

1. Shubman Gill vs Zak Crawley

The third Test between India and England at Lord’s witnessed a verbal spat involving India captain Shubman Gill and England opener Zak Crawley late on Day 3. With only six minutes left before stumps, India were keen to bowl two overs after England came out to bat. However, Crawley and fellow opener Ben Duckett tried to delay the play, ensuring only one over was possible.

As Jasprit Bumrah bowled the final over, Crawley repeatedly pulled away, engaged in mid-pitch discussions, and later called for the physio after being hit on the glove. The actions visibly frustrated the Indian players, with Gill confronting Crawley and appearing to tell him to “grow some f****** ba**s,” a comment caught on stump microphones. Several Indian fielders also sarcastically applauded Crawley’s antics. The incident triggered heated exchanges between players from both teams and drew reactions from fans and experts.