IPL
The IPL spot-fixing scandal refers to the controversy that emerged during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013, when a number of cricketers, including some members of the Rajasthan Royals team, were accused of being involved in spot-fixing.
Spot-fixing is a form of match-fixing where certain aspects of a match, such as the number of runs scored in an over or the number of no-balls bowled, are pre-determined by players in collusion with bookmakers. This allows bookmakers to place bets on these predetermined outcomes and earn large profits.
The scandal came to light when Delhi Police arrested three Rajasthan Royals players – S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan – on charges of spot-fixing. The police also arrested several bookies, including a prominent bookmaker named Dawood Ibrahim.
The scandal caused a huge uproar in India and led to widespread outrage among cricket fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended the accused players and launched an investigation into the matter. The BCCI also set up a committee to probe allegations of corruption in the IPL.
In July 2015, a court in Delhi acquitted S. Sreesanth and two other players of all charges in the spot-fixing case. However, the BCCI refused to lift the ban on Sreesanth, stating that it would conduct its own inquiry into the matter.
The IPL spot-fixing scandal was a major blow to the credibility of Indian cricket and the IPL. It highlighted the issue of corruption in cricket and raised questions about the role of bookmakers in the sport. The BCCI and other cricket boards have since implemented measures to prevent corruption and ensure fair play in the sport.
Which IPL Teams Banned for Fixing?
No IPL teams have been banned for fixing in the IPL spot-fixing scandal of 2013. However, the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings were suspended for two seasons in 2015 after the Lodha Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, found their team officials guilty of illegal betting and match-fixing.
The team officials were found to have been involved in betting on IPL matches, passing on team information to bookmakers, and influencing the outcome of matches. The Chennai Super Kings’ team principal, Gurunath Meiyappan, and the Rajasthan Royals’ co-owner, Raj Kundra, were both found guilty of betting and were banned from all cricket-related activities for life.
The two teams were replaced by two new franchises – Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions – for the two-year period of their suspension. The Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings were allowed to return to the IPL in 2018 after serving their suspension.
Is there Spot-Fixing in IPL?
There have been instances of spot-fixing in the IPL in the past, including the IPL spot-fixing scandal of 2013. However, it is important to note that spot-fixing is not unique to the IPL and has occurred in other cricket tournaments and sports as well.
The BCCI and the IPL governing council have taken several measures to prevent spot-fixing and other forms of corruption in the IPL. These measures include strict regulations on player conduct and monitoring of betting and other illegal activities by bookmakers.
The BCCI also has an Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) which works closely with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to prevent corruption in cricket. The ACU monitors all matches in the IPL and conducts regular education programs for players and team officials on anti-corruption measures.
It is important for players, officials, and fans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to spot-fixing or other forms of corruption in the IPL. The BCCI and the IPL take such allegations very seriously and will investigate any such incidents thoroughly.
Was Dhoni involved in Spot-Fixing in IPL?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one of the most successful players in the history of the IPL, was involved in spot-fixing during the IPL spot-fixing scandal of 2013.
Dhoni was the captain of the Chennai Super Kings team during the period when the team officials were found guilty of illegal betting and match-fixing by the Lodha Committee in 2015. However, there was no evidence that Dhoni was directly involved in these activities or had any knowledge of them.
The Lodha Committee report did mention that Dhoni had been in contact with the team principal, Gurunath Meiyappan, who was found guilty of betting, during the 2013 season of the IPL. However, the report did not suggest that Dhoni had any knowledge of Meiyappan’s illegal activities.
It is important to note that in 2019, Dhoni was cleared of any conflict of interest by the BCCI’s Ombudsman after allegations were made against him for holding multiple roles in cricket administration.
Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that MS Dhoni was involved in spot-fixing during the IPL spot-fixing scandal of 2013 or any other instance in the IPL.