Top 10 Players Who Got Banned from IPL

The Players who got banned from IPL form an intriguing yet controversial chapter in the history of the league. Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has provided fans with world-class entertainment, star power, and unforgettable matches. However, with its glitz and glamour have also come moments of scandal that shook the cricketing world. From disciplinary breaches and contract disputes to the more serious allegations of spot-fixing and doping, bans have been a part of the tournament’s history.

Some bans were short-term, such as Harbhajan Singh’s suspension in 2008 after the infamous “Slapgate” incident, while others like Ajit Chandila and Sreesanth faced career-ending consequences due to their involvement in spot-fixing. Even international stars were not immune; David Warner and Steve Smith missed entire seasons following the ball-tampering scandal, while Mohammad Asif was caught in a doping case.

The Players who got banned from IPL highlight the tournament’s strict approach to maintaining integrity and discipline. The league’s administrators have made it clear that no matter how talented or popular a player is, any breach of rules will not be tolerated. These cases remain stark reminders that professionalism is as important as performance.

Here are the Top 10 Players Who Got Banned from IPL:

10. Mohammad Asif

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistani fast bowler, was known for his incredible ability to swing the new ball both ways and trouble even the best batters. He played for the Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008 and quickly made an impression with his deadly opening spell alongside Glenn McGrath. Asif’s control and skill made him one of the most valuable overseas recruits. However, his career was marred by repeated controversies involving drugs and discipline.

In 2008, Asif tested positive for the banned substance Nandrolone, a serious doping violation. The scandal was a huge setback not only for him but also for Delhi Daredevils, who relied on his services as a strike bowler. The IPL banned him for one year following the violation, marking a dark phase in his professional career. This incident was part of a string of controversies in Asif’s cricket journey, including spot-fixing allegations later in his career. His downfall serves as a reminder that despite immense talent, discipline is key in sports. Among the Players who got banned from IPL, Asif remains one of the most high-profile cases due to his extraordinary skill and wasted potential.

Table: Mohammad Asif IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Mohammad Asif	Pakistan	Delhi Daredevils	Positive dope test (Nandrolone)	1 year

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9. David Warner

David Warner, one of the most successful IPL captains and an explosive opener, also finds his name in the list of Players who got banned from IPL. In 2018, during Australia’s tour of South Africa, Warner was implicated in the infamous ball-tampering scandal at Cape Town, popularly known as “Sandpapergate.” The controversy shook the cricketing world, and Cricket Australia imposed a one-year ban on Warner along with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.

Due to this suspension, Warner could not participate in the IPL 2018 season, despite being a crucial player for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Under Warner’s leadership, SRH had previously lifted the IPL trophy in 2016, and his absence in 2018 was a massive blow to the franchise. Warner’s aggressive batting and captaincy style had made him one of the most valuable players in IPL history. His ban remains one of the most shocking exclusions in the league, considering how integral he was to the tournament’s entertainment value.

Warner eventually returned to the IPL, regaining form and silencing critics, but his missed 2018 season is a reminder of how controversies off the field can derail even the brightest careers. As one of the Players who got banned from IPL, Warner’s case highlighted the IPL’s alignment with global disciplinary rulings.

Table: David Warner IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
David Warner	Australia	SunRisers Hyderabad	Ball-tampering ban	1 year

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8. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s greatest spinners, was part of one of the earliest controversies in the IPL. Representing the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural 2008 season, Harbhajan found himself banned after a shocking on-field incident. Following a match against Kings XI Punjab, he was caught slapping fellow Indian cricketer Sreesanth during the handshake session. The incident, later termed the “Slapgate Scandal,” caused uproar across cricketing circles and forced IPL management to act firmly. As a result, Harbhajan was suspended for the remainder of the season, making him one of the earliest Players who got banned from IPL.

Harbhajan was immediately suspended and banned for the remainder of the season. While the ban did not end his IPL career, the controversy tarnished his reputation for a while. Known for his fiery temper on the field, Harbhajan later acknowledged his mistake and mended his ways. He went on to play successfully for Mumbai Indians and later Chennai Super Kings.

As one of the early Players who got banned from IPL, Harbhajan’s suspension set an example of how seriously disciplinary issues would be handled in the league. Though he made a strong comeback in subsequent years, the “Slapgate” incident continues to be remembered as one of IPL’s most controversial moments.

Table: Harbhajan Singh IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Harbhajan Singh	India	Mumbai Indians	Slapping Sreesanth (discipline issue)	Remainder of 2008 season

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7. Harry Brook

Harry Brook, the England batting sensation, represents one of the most recent and surprising cases in the list of Players who got banned from IPL. Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Brook was set to play a key role but pulled out at the last moment, citing personal reasons. His sudden withdrawal led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introducing stricter policies regarding player commitments.

As per the new BCCI rules, players who withdraw at the last moment without valid approval cannot re-enter the IPL auction for the following two years. This meant Brook was banned from participating in the IPL until 2027. The decision was taken to ensure accountability and avoid last-minute disruptions for franchises.

Brook’s absence is a setback for IPL fans who were eager to see his aggressive batting in the T20 format. Still young, he has plenty of time to return in the future, but this ban remains a reminder of the IPL’s growing emphasis on professionalism and discipline. Among the modern Players who got banned from IPL, Harry Brook’s suspension shows the league’s evolution in handling contractual obligations.

Table: Harry Brook IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team (Potential)	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Harry Brook	England	N/A	Withdrew from season	2 years

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6. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, one of India’s premier all-rounders and a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings’ success, was also once part of the Players who got banned from IPL. Back in 2010, while he was still with Rajasthan Royals, Jadeja faced disciplinary action for engaging in unauthorized negotiations with multiple franchises over his fees. This was against the IPL’s contractual rules, which strictly prohibit players from dealing with multiple teams simultaneously without clearance.

As a result, Jadeja was banned from participating in the 2010 IPL season. The ban was a major setback for the young all-rounder, who was beginning to establish himself as a rising star. Missing an entire season could have derailed his momentum, but Jadeja showed resilience. He came back stronger, eventually becoming a mainstay for CSK and contributing heavily with both bat and ball.

Jadeja’s case remains an important lesson in professionalism and discipline. Among all Players Who Got Banned from IPL, his suspension highlights how even minor contractual violations are taken seriously in the league. His redemption story, however, makes him one of the few players to turn adversity into long-term success.

Table: Ravindra Jadeja IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Ravindra Jadeja	India	Rajasthan Royals	Unauthorized negotiations	1 season (2010)

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5. Luke Pomersbach

Luke Pomersbach, the Australian cricketer, played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and was seen as a promising batting talent. However, his stint in the tournament was marred by off-field controversies. In 2012, while staying at the ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi, Pomersbach was accused of assaulting a US-based woman and her fiancé after a late-night altercation. The matter quickly escalated, gaining widespread media attention and bringing embarrassment to both the player and the franchise. As a result, he was suspended from further participation in the season, placing him among the Players who got banned from IPL.

Following this, Royal Challengers Bangalore suspended Pomersbach from the tournament. Though the case was later settled, the controversy effectively ended his IPL career. Among the Players who got banned from IPL, Pomersbach’s case stands out as a rare example of off-field behavior leading to disciplinary action.

This incident also forced franchises and the IPL governing council to implement stricter codes of conduct regarding player behavior off the field. Pomersbach faded away from top-level cricket soon after, his career unable to recover from the incident. His case remains a cautionary tale of how off-field discipline is as important as on-field performance.

Table: Luke Pomersbach IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Luke Pomersbach	Australia	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Assault allegations	Remainder of 2012 season

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4. Steve Smith

Steve Smith, one of the modern greats of cricket, also finds himself on the list of Players who got banned from IPL due to the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Smith was all set to captain Rajasthan Royals in that season, but the “Sandpapergate” controversy forced Cricket Australia to impose a one-year ban on him. Consequently, Smith was banned from IPL 2018 as well.

The ban came as a massive blow to Rajasthan Royals, who had banked on Smith’s leadership and batting prowess. His absence forced the franchise to reorganize their plans at the last minute. Smith’s suspension was one of the most high-profile in IPL history, given his stature as one of the best batters in world cricket.

Smith made a comeback in later editions of the IPL and continued to impress with the bat, though his reputation had taken a dent due to the scandal. Among the Players who got banned from IPL, Smith’s case is one of the most discussed, as it combined both global cricketing controversy and IPL consequences.

Table: Steve Smith IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Steve Smith	Australia	Rajasthan Royals	Ball-tampering ban	1 year

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3. Pravin Tambe

Pravin Tambe’s story is truly unique in IPL history. Making his debut at the remarkable age of 42 for Rajasthan Royals in 2013, he became a living example of the saying “age is just a number.” His clever leg-spin bowling quickly earned him recognition, and in the 2014 season, he impressed further by claiming 15 wickets. Tambe’s journey became an inspiration for countless fans, proving that determination and passion can overcome age barriers. However, his career also took a controversial turn when he was barred from playing after participating in an overseas league without BCCI approval, which ultimately placed him among the Players who got banned from IPL.

However, in 2018, Tambe participated in the T10 League in Sharjah without official clearance from the BCCI. According to IPL rules, no active Indian cricketer can play in overseas leagues without BCCI’s approval. As a result, Tambe was banned from the IPL, and despite being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2020 auction, he was not allowed to participate.

Among the Players who got banned from IPL, Tambe’s case was unique not for misconduct but for breaching regulatory rules. His passion and late-blooming career still inspire fans, but his suspension showed how strict the BCCI is regarding overseas league participation.

Table: Pravin Tambe IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team (Auction)	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Pravin Tambe	India	Kolkata Knight Riders	Played in T10 League without BCCI approval	Indefinite

2. Sreesanth

Sreesanth, the fiery Indian fast bowler, remains one of the most infamous cases among the Players who got banned from IPL. Known for his raw pace and emotional celebrations, Sreesanth was an important part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup-winning squads. He played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and was considered a match-winner with the ball.

However, in 2013, his career came crashing down when he, along with Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, was arrested on charges of spot-fixing during the IPL season. The scandal shook Indian cricket and tarnished the image of the league. The BCCI reacted swiftly, handing Sreesanth a life ban from all forms of cricket. Although the Supreme Court later reduced his ban, the damage was done, and he never fully regained his footing in professional cricket.

Sreesanth’s downfall is perhaps the most tragic story among the Players who got banned from IPL, as he had immense talent but lost it all due to poor choices. His suspension was not just about IPL regulations but also about protecting the integrity of the sport itself.

Table: Sreesanth IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Sreesanth	India	Rajasthan Royals	Spot-fixing	Life ban (later reduced)

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1. Ajit Chandila

At number one in this list of Players who got banned from IPL is Ajit Chandila, whose name became synonymous with the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. A promising off-spinner for Rajasthan Royals, Chandila had already impressed with a hat-trick in IPL 2012 against Pune Warriors India. He was building a reputation as a dependable bowler, but everything collapsed in 2013 when he was caught in the spot-fixing sting operation.

Chandila, along with Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan, was arrested during the IPL season for allegedly agreeing to underperform in exchange for money. The scandal was one of the darkest chapters in IPL history, leading to widespread criticism of the league’s governance. The BCCI responded with a life ban on Chandila, effectively ending his career.

Chandila’s case symbolizes the severe consequences of prioritizing money over the game’s spirit. Among the Players who got banned from IPL, his story is a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough – discipline, honesty, and professionalism are equally essential. His downfall remains one of the saddest tales in Indian domestic cricket.

Table: Ajit Chandila IPL Ban Details

Player	Country	Team	Reason for Ban	Ban Duration
Ajit Chandila	India	Rajasthan Royals	Spot-fixing	Life ban

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