The Big Bash League, commonly known as the BBL, is one of the most watched T20 cricket leagues in the world. Since its launch in 2011, the tournament has delivered high-scoring matches, packed crowds, and strong performances from Australian and overseas stars. The league is played during the December–January period and has become an important part of Australia’s cricket calendar.
Along with entertainment, the league has also faced criticism over the years. Several controversies in BBL have raised concerns about pitch quality, umpiring standards, player behavior, and safety rules. Some of these incidents shocked fans, while others forced Cricket Australia to review its policies and regulations.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Biggest Controversies in BBL History
5. Melbourne Renegades Batting Collapse (BBL 2014–15)
One of the earliest controversies in BBL took place during the 2014–15 season in a Melbourne derby. The Melbourne Renegades were chasing a challenging target of 170 runs against the Melbourne Stars. What followed was one of the most shocking collapses in T20 history.
The Renegades were bowled out for just 57 runs. The match ended very quickly, leaving fans stunned and confused. Batters struggled to play even basic shots, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
This incident became one of the most discussed controversies in BBL because of the pitch conditions. Several balls stayed dangerously low, while others bounced sharply, making batting extremely risky. Former cricketers and experts questioned whether the pitch was suitable for professional cricket.
Cricket Australia faced heavy criticism for allowing the match to continue. Player safety and fair competition became major talking points. After this incident, stricter pitch assessment rules were introduced in the league.
| Season | BBL 2014–15 |
| Match | Renegades vs Stars |
| Target | 170 runs |
| Renegades Score | 57 all out |
| Result | Renegades lost |
| Significance | Lowest BBL total at the time |
ALSO READ:
4. Sydney Thunder Bowled Out for 15 (BBL 2022–23)
Another major entry in the list of controversies in BBL came during the 2022–23 season. Sydney Thunder were chasing a modest target of 140 runs against the Adelaide Strikers. Fans expected a competitive match, but the game turned into a disaster.
Sydney Thunder were bowled out for just 15 runs. This became the lowest score not only in BBL history but also in men’s professional T20 cricket. The innings ended within a few overs, shocking viewers worldwide.
This incident quickly became one of the biggest controversies in BBL due to the unsafe pitch conditions. The ball behaved unpredictably, making it almost impossible for batters to survive. Players looked uncomfortable, and fans questioned why the match was not abandoned earlier.
The pitch later received a poor rating from the ICC. The controversy reopened debates about pitch preparation and match safety standards in domestic leagues.
| Season | BBL 2022–23 |
| Match | Thunder vs Strikers |
| Target | 140 runs |
| Thunder Score | 15 all out |
| Result | Thunder lost |
| Record | Lowest T20 score ever |
3. Chris Gayle’s Inappropriate Interview (BBL 2016)
Not all controversies in BBL happened on the field. One of the most talked-about off-field incidents involved West Indies star Chris Gayle during the 2016 season. While playing for the Melbourne Renegades, Gayle was interviewed live on television.
During the interview, Gayle made uncomfortable and flirtatious comments toward reporter Mel McLaughlin. His remarks made the situation awkward and were broadcast live to millions of viewers.
This incident became one of the most serious controversies in BBL related to player behavior. Fans, media, and former players criticized Gayle’s conduct, calling it unprofessional and disrespectful.
Chris Gayle was fined $10,000 for his comments. More importantly, the incident led to discussions about professionalism, respect, and workplace behavior. The BBL later reviewed its code of conduct and broadcasting guidelines.
| Season | BBL 2016 |
| Player | Chris Gayle |
| Team | Melbourne Renegades |
| Reporter | Mel McLaughlin |
| Fine | $10,000 |
| Outcome | Code of conduct reviewed |
2. DRS Failure and Denied Century (BBL 2018–19)
The lack of modern technology led to another major controversy in BBL during the 2018–19 season. At that time, the Decision Review System (DRS) was not fully available throughout the tournament.
In a match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars, D’Arcy Short was batting on 96 runs. He played a clever shot that went between his legs toward the boundary. The umpires ruled it as a leg bye.
Replays later showed that the ball had clearly touched the bat. Because of the wrong decision, Short was denied a well-deserved century. Fans and experts were furious, calling it one of the most avoidable controversies in BBL.
This incident increased pressure on league organizers to improve umpiring standards. In later seasons, better use of technology was introduced to reduce such errors.
| Season | BBL 2018–19 |
| Match | Hurricanes vs Stars |
| Player | D’Arcy Short |
| Score | 96 runs |
| Error | Bat contact missed |
| Impact | Century denied |
1. Shaheen Afridi Banned from Bowling on Debut (BBL 2025–26)
The biggest and most recent controversy in BBL history occurred during the 2025–26 season. Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was making his highly anticipated debut for the Brisbane Heat.
While bowling the 18th over against the Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen delivered two waist-high full tosses in the same over. According to BBL playing conditions, this is considered dangerous bowling.
The umpires immediately stopped Shaheen from bowling further in the match. This decision shocked fans and became one of the most debated controversies in BBL. Many supporters felt disappointed, especially because it happened in his debut game.
Others defended the umpires, stating that player safety rules must be followed strictly. Although the rule was clear, the incident turned Shaheen Afridi’s debut into a controversial moment that dominated headlines.
| Season | BBL 2025–26 |
| Player | Shaheen Afridi |
| Team | Brisbane Heat |
| Opponent | Melbourne Renegades |
| Issue | Two waist-high full tosses |
| Outcome | Removed from bowling |
FAQs
1. What are the most famous controversies in BBL history?
Some of the biggest controversies in BBL include Melbourne Renegades’ batting collapse in 2014–15, Sydney Thunder being bowled out for 15 in 2022–23, Chris Gayle’s inappropriate live interview in 2016, DRS failures in 2018–19, and Shaheen Afridi being banned from bowling on his BBL debut in 2025–26.
2. Why did Shaheen Afridi face a ban during his BBL debut?
Shaheen Afridi delivered two waist-high full tosses in the same over, which is considered dangerous bowling under BBL rules. Umpires immediately stopped him from bowling further, making it one of the most talked-about controversies in BBL.
3. How have controversies affected the BBL?
Controversies in BBL have led to stricter pitch monitoring, improved umpiring standards, better use of technology like DRS, and updated player conduct rules. Each incident helped make the league safer and more professional.
4. Are all BBL controversies related to on-field play?
No, not all controversies in BBL are on-field. Some, like Chris Gayle’s 2016 interview, were off-field incidents involving player behavior and media conduct, highlighting the importance of professionalism in the league.