Chennai Super Kings is one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League. This is not only because of the fact that they have won the joint most titles in the history of the league. But their success is owned to the cricketing culture that they have showcased over the years.
They have achieved everything that is there to go after in the league and won five titles, but there is one title they would like to wipe off from their name, and it’s the CSK betting scandal that got them banned for 2 years.
CSK brief history in IPL
From the very inception of the tournament, they have been the team to beat in the tournament. They were one of the first finalist in the 2008 edition and then went on to become the only team to win the title on 3 different occasions by 2013.
Other than that, they have also been one of the most consistent sides in the history of the tournament. Out of the 14 seasons of IPL that they taken part in, CSK was able to make it to the play-offs on 12 occasions. They have played 10 finals, out of which they won 5.
Furthermore, they have had some of the biggest names play for them, from players like Muralitharan, Matthew Hayden, Andrew Flintoff, and Shane Watson to Indian cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni. All have been proud flag bearers for CSK.
However, there is one stain on their name that they have not been able to clean over the years. The ban on Chennai Super Kings for two years has been a major blog against their name. It was imposed on them from the 2016 to 2017 edition. Following which they faced a two-year suspension imposed by the Lodha Committee appointed by the Supreme Court.
How did it all start?
- Delhi Police arrest Sreesanth, Chavan, and Chandila, along with former Royals player Amit Singh, for fraud and cheating.
- Mumbai Police summons Gurunath Meiyappan, a top official of Chennai Super Kings, for questioning in connection with betting.
- Mumbai Police formally arrest Gurunath Meiyappan.
- A two-member panel finds “not guilty” by IPL owners, including Raj Kundra, India Cements, and Rajasthan Royals.
- The Bombay High Court ruled that the BCCI’s two-member panel was constituted illegally.
- Calls for BCCI president N Srinivasan to step down due to a conflict of interest regarding Gurunath’s situation.
- Srinivasan temporarily recused himself from the day-to-day administration of BCCI, with Jagmohan Dalmiya taking charge.
- Gurunath is granted bail with the condition not to leave India.
- The Supreme Court issued notices to BCCI, Srinivasan, India Cements, and Rajasthan Royals on an appeal challenging the Bombay High Court order.
- Gurunath is chargesheeted by Mumbai Police under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and fraud, along with a section of the Bombay Police Act.
Why was CSK banned for 2 years?
In cricket, spot-fixing is a form of corruption in which a player agrees to perform a pre-determined act in a match, such as bowling a wide or getting out in a certain way, in exchange for money. This act is typically performed at a specific point in the match, such as the first over or the final over, and is only known to the player and the bookmakers involved.
The 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal was a major corruption scandal that rocked the IPL. The scandal was uncovered when the Delhi Police arrested three Rajasthan Royals players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, on charges of spot-fixing. The trio was accused of bowling wide deliveries at specific times in the match in exchange for money.
In a separate case of Chennai, there were no CSK match fixing players, but Mumbai Police arrested Gurunath Meiyappan, the team principal of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and actor Vindu Dara Singh on charges of betting. Meiyappan was accused of betting on IPL matches, even though it was against BCCI rules for team officials to do so.
CSK ban reason : The IPL spot-fixing scandal led to a major investigation by the Mudgal Committee, which the Supreme Court of India appointed. The committee’s report found that there was “compelling evidence” of spot-fixing and betting in the IPL, and that no there were no CSK match fixing players, but Meiyappan was guilty of betting. This eventually led to the exposure of the CSK betting scandal and the committee recommended that CSK and Rajasthan Royals be suspended from the IPL for two years.
The Supreme Court accepted the Mudgal Committee’s recommendations and suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL for two years. The court also banned Meiyappan from participating in any cricket-related activities for life. Which leaves questions like: Is CSK match fixing?
The IPL spot-fixing scandal was a major blow to the IPL’s reputation. However, the IPL has since taken steps to prevent corruption, such as introducing stricter anti-corruption rules and increasing the penalties for corruption.
How is Gurunath Meiyappan’s arrest related to Chennai Super Kings’ Ban?
When delving deeper into the matter, only one question arises, if there were no CSK match fixing players, then who did match fixing in Chennai Super Kings? In this part of the article we will try to unearth the truth behind the CSK Betting Scandal.
Everything started for the Chennai Super Kings from a Call record. It revealed Vindu Dara Singh often talked to Gurunath Meiyappan, who is linked to Chennai Super Kings and was a part of the team’s think tank. He was often spotted in the dugout with the players when they were out on the field.
Following this, Mumbai Police summoned Meiyappan to check if these calls were related to betting. He was arrested on May 24, 2013, facing charges of betting, conspiracy, and cheating after questioning by the Mumbai Crime Branch. CSK quickly distanced themselves from Meiyappan after his arrest.
On May 26, BCCI declared a three-member committee to look into Meiyappan’s involvement in spot-fixing and betting. On May 31, 2016, a Mumbai Police official mentioned that Meiyappan was declared “Not Guilty.” Following this, Meiyappan was granted bail by a Mumbai court on June 3, 2016. However, the investigation continued to keep its focus on Meiyappan’s role in the CSK Betting Scandal.
Involvement of India Cements on CSK Ban from IPL
By 2013, there was a huge uproar caused around the topic of who was the owner of Chennai Super Kings. Many reports claimed that Meiyappan was the silent owner of CSK.
In a statement on May 24, 2013, India Cements, the owner of CSK, clarified that Mr. Meiyappan wasn’t the CSK owner or CEO. He was just an honorary member of the team’s management.
They distanced themselves from him to protect the CSK franchise. His arrest could have led to the termination of CSK, so they quickly disowned him to avoid any trouble. This move was crucial to safeguard the team’s future and maintain its standing in the cricket world.
Mukul mudgal committee
The Mudgal Committee, led by Former High Court judge Mukul Mudgal, with members L. Nageswara Rao and Nilay Dutta, once again investigated corruption claims against Gurunath Meiyappan and India Cements, linked to BCCI chief N. Srinivasan’s son-in-law. The committee aimed for an unbiased inquiry.
It was confirmed that Gurunath Meiyappan, a team official for the Chennai Super Kings, was involved in betting, which has proven true. However, allegations of match-fixing needed more investigation. Meiyappan placed bets through Vindoo Dara Singh, who was in direct contact with bookies and punters like Vikram Aggarwal.
A huge information on CSK Betting Scandal came out after it was revealed that Meiyappan bet on Chennai Super Kings matches, both for and against them, and also placed bets on IPL games not involving his team. The situation revealed a connection between Meiyappan, betting activities, and individuals linked to bookmaking, prompting the need for further inquiry into potential match-fixing.
Views expressed by the committee:
The committee pointed out a change in Rule 6.4.2, allowing BCCI officials to own IPL teams. They questioned why this change happened and said many respected people in cricket see it as a problem. They worry it might make the IPL not work well and create conflicts of interest.
Other than this, the committee also expressed the view that:
- Senior players guide younger ones in avoiding spot-fixing and harmful actions.
- The game should be made clearer and more transparent.
- More free flow of information between various BCCI departments.
In July 2015, the committee suspended India Cements, owner of CSK. Meiyappan got a lifetime ban for involvement in cricket.
Lodha committee:
The Lodha Committee was formed following the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee’s report on the 2013 IPL betting scandal, which answered the questions to who did match fixing in CSK. Led by Justice R. M. Lodha, it aimed to improve the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The committee recommended changes, including rules for appointing the CFO and CEO, age limits for office bearers, and guidelines for IPL match advertisements. It also dealt with the punishment for individuals involved in the IPL betting scandal, like Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra, and assessed Sundar Raman’s role.
The report, submitted on July 14, 2015, aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within the BCCI, outlining measures for better governance in Indian cricket.
In brief, the Lodha Committee offered the following recommendations
- The retirement age is set at 70 for administrators.
- Remove those with criminal charges, unsound minds, insolvency, or dual roles.
- Limit office bearers’ tenure to two consecutive terms.
- Adopt a “one vote per state” policy for BCCI transparency.
- The BCCI President is limited to a two-year term.
- Establish an independent governing body for the IPL.
- Officials disclose assets to the governing board to prevent betting involvement.
The Supreme Court’s July 18, 2016, verdict, by Justice Kalifulla and Chief Justice Thakur, upheld Lodha Committee recommendations, bringing significant changes to BCCI.
On July 18, the Supreme Court instructed the BCCI to implement most of the Lodha Committee’s proposals within four to six months. Justice Lodha was appointed to oversee this process. Mumbai Cricket Association President Sharad Pawar resigned due to the committee’s recommendations, leading to widespread criticism from cricket officials.
The BCCI formed a panel, led by former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju, to communicate with the Lodha Committee during the reforms. Katju deemed the Supreme Court’s decision on reforms “illegal.” In September, the BCCI defied Lodha Panel suggestions at its Annual General Meeting, selecting a five-member selection panel instead of the recommended three.
Chief Justice of India TS Thakur warned the BCCI to implement the recommendations, accusing the body of hindering reforms. Thakur gave the board a week to respond. By October 1, the BCCI failed to meet the Supreme Court’s deadline. On October 3, the Lodha Committee instructed banks to stop disbursing funds from BCCI accounts. The Supreme Court, in an interim order, halted further funding to state associations unless they agreed to implement the Lodha committee’s recommendations.
The BCCI, citing practical difficulties, filed a review petition on October 18 challenging the Lodha committee’s suggestions. The Supreme Court adjourned the review petition. Four days later, the Supreme Court declared that the BCCI couldn’t enter into financial contracts without the panel’s approval until they implemented the Lodha committee’s recommendations.
BCCI President Anurag Thakur acknowledged the need to follow the Supreme Court’s instructions but was committed to examining every aspect of the game. The situation highlighted a tense standoff between the BCCI and the Supreme Court over the implementation of cricket reforms.
Recent Developments:
In 2020, Shreeshant came back after completing his seven-year ban; he decided to play domestic cricket, and in 2022, he retired from all formats of cricket.
Final Verdict on CSK’s ban
The Lodha Committee suspended Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for two years due to Gurunath Meiyappan’s involvement in betting during the 2013 IPL scandal. The committee’s investigation revealed links between Meiyappan, betting, and individuals connected to bookmaking, raising concerns about the game’s integrity.
The ban highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in cricket. The Supreme Court strongly backed the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, stressing the importance of strict measures to uphold the sport’s credibility. This led to significant reforms in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
CSK’s return to IPL in 2018
Chennai Super Kings returned to the IPL in 2018 after serving a two-year suspension. In a triumphant return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted a remarkable comeback story that resonated beyond the cricket field. After a two-year suspension owing to the 2013 betting scandal that shook the foundation of Indian cricket, CSK made a resounding statement in their comeback season.
The 2018 IPL season witnessed a rejuvenated CSK squad 2021 led by the astute Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who displayed an unparalleled zeal to reclaim their lost glory. The team played with an unyielding spirit as if every boundary and wicket was a redemption song echoing from the tumultuous past. The players, adorned in the iconic yellow jersey, approached each match with a blend of experience and exuberance.
CSK’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, and they clinched their fourth IPL title with a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. The likes of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu spearheaded the batting department, while the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja weaved a web around opposition batsmen.
The narrative of CSK’s triumphant return was not merely about cricketing prowess; it was a tale of resilience, redemption, and the indomitable spirit of a team that refused to be defined by its past. The Yellow Brigade had not just won a title; they had washed away the stains of adversity, emerging stronger and more revered than ever.
Sources:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/csk-rr-owners-suspended-for-two-years-898461
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33517583
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0PO0OE
FAQ
During which two years was CSK banned from the IPL?
CSK was banned from the IPL for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
CSK was banned for how many years?
CSK was banned from the IPL for two years, in 2015 and 2016. While the official decision came in 2015, the actual ban period covered the following two seasons.
Why csk banned for 2 years?
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2016 and 2017. The primary reason for CSK’s ban from the IPL for two years was their involvement in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) betting scandal.
It’s important to note that while the official decision was announced in 2015, the actual ban period covered the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
When was CSK banned?
CSK was banned from the IPL in 2015.
Why CSK didn’t played 2 years?
CSK didn’t play for two years because the franchise was suspended from the IPL due to their involvement in the 2013 IPL betting scandal. This suspension, which lasted from 2016 to 2017, was a consequence of the team’s breach of the IPL’s code of conduct, highlighting the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity and fair play.