IPL is not just one of the richest leagues but also is the most-watched cricket tournament in the world. The league is more than just a normal cricket game, it is precisely, a full-on entertainer.
The flying sixes, match-changing catches, last over finishes and edge-of-your-seat thrillers are some highlights of IPL. However, it has something more in store for us. When things take a serious turn, humour claims the center stage.
Here are a few funny and weird moments in the 17-year journey of IPL.
1. Ball Hunting
The play was halted for a few minutes after a strategic time out as the ball went missing in a clash between RCB and KXIP in 2019. The scene made everyone nostalgic of their times in street cricket and gully cricket.
Ankit Rajpoot was getting ready to bowl the over and asked his teammates to pass the ball. What happened next left everyone in splits. His teammates, umpire and everyone were as clueless as him. After some discussion, the fourth umpire rushed onto the field offering a new ball.
Minutes later, a replay in the television showed that umpire Shamshuddin had kept the ball in his pocket and completely forgot about it. Though it was complete chaos, it is also a funny moment to recall.
Pollard – it’s drama time
Kieron Pollard is well known for his humorous temperament. He has been in headlines quite often for his funny drama exhibitions during IPL.
2. Silent game time - 2015
It all happened during a battle between RCB and MI in the 8th season of IPL. As Bangalore initiated their chase towards the 210-run target, the Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard tried to get under Chris Gayle’s skin. As a precaution, the umpires warned Pollard and asked him to maintain considerable distance. It was all usual until the next over.
Responding to the warning, an annoyed Pollard literally put a tape on his mouth. If he talked to any of his teammates, he peeled one edge of the tape and stuck it back. Pollard showed his displeasure towards the on-field umpires by this act.
The Bangalore crowd, commentators and all the spectators enjoyed this and took it in a light sense. The cameras didn’t take a long time to take up this, as Pollard was focussed on the giant screen frequently.
Also, Harbhajan Singh mentioned that the IPL brings out the best flavours of the West Indies boys. On asked about his quirky behaviour on field, Pollard said it was just for fun.
3. Pollard received a flying kiss
This instance took place when Sun Risers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians met in 2013. When Pollard was bowling an over, Warner was the batsman facing it. Initially, they both were exchanging a few words. After bowling a dot ball, Pollard walked up to Warner to say something. In return, Warner flew a flying kiss to Pollard trying to sledge him. Pollard’s reaction was one of the hysterical expressions recorded on a cricket field.
4. Chris Gayle, for a change, chased Yuvraj
In IPL 2015, the match between Bangalore and Delhi was called off due to rain. The disappointed audience had something little to rejoice at the end of the day. Chris Gayle and Yuvraj Singh are very good friends both on and off the field. They have a quirky sense of humour and that is no secret.
As the rain started pouring down, all the players quickly paced towards the pavilion to save themselves from getting wet. On their way back, Yuvraj who was playing for Delhi pushed Gayle in a friendly manner. In response, Gayle started chasing Yuvraj with his bat. This exchange brought the lost charm amidst the rather disappointed crowd.
5. Self-Goal and Spider Cam
In IPL 2019, during the match between Hyderabad and Punjab, Chris Gayle was spotted chasing spider cam making hilarious expressions. This caught the attention of the crowd. While one thought things couldn’t get funnier, Gayle accidentally hit a self-goal in the same match. Gayle was standing at a short third man position and started chasing a ball that went towards the boundary. When he was about to bend, his foot hit the ball and it went over the boundary.
The Universal Boss, being in his usual self has time and again been talked about for his humorous nature.
As such IPL is nothing short of a complete entertainer. With IPL 2024 only a few days away, it makes one excited and curious to know what it has in store for all.
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