'Cricket,' the so called gentlemen's game.
The restoration of the English monarchy in the 17th century paved the way for sports like cricket to evolve.
The Nobility revered the game of cricket, as it fuelled countless opportunities to gamble - how fitting.
In light of the recent controversial bribery confession of Zimbabwean cricketing idol Brendan Taylor, this was a man who had not been paid in eight months. It's a tragic tale.
The red flag was there, yet Taylor and many before him couldn't resist the lure.
This is Part 1 of some of the most controversial moments in cricket history.
Let's dive into the underbelly of cricket.
9. World Cup final controversy (2007, number 19)
As ominous clouds formed on the morning of the 2007 World Cup final, Australia, and Sri Lanka would be fighting for the World Cup Trophy on a ground (Kensington Oval) that didn't have floodlights. Australia batted first and made 281 in their reduced 38 over innings, Adam Gilchrist the hero smoking 149 off 104 deliveries.
At the end of the 33rd over Sri Lanka's innings, the clouds darkened, and the umpires controversially asked the players to finish the game on their reserve day.
The Australian side had already started to celebrate as Sri Lanka had achieved the minimum number of overs for a result via the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method. With 61 still required from the last three overs, both captains agreed that Australia would bowl spinners and eventually were crowned World Cup Champions for the third consecutive time.
