The Indian Premier League (IPL) holds the excitement of people worldwide. It is a platform that unites various countries in a single team. This cricket league is a power-packed entertainment and is a huge commercial success. This glamorous league of Cricket has a darker side as well. The fixing team in the IPL has been the most talked-about topic about this league. From the number 1 fixing team in IPL to other match fixing teams in IPL, it is important to know the history. Let us dive into the blog to learn about this scandal and what its consequences were.
What is Match Fixing?
Let us understand what match fixing actually is. Match-fixing is a way in which team players and officials fix an over, a ball, a player, and the result of the match by offering them money. People intentionally manipulate the outcome of a match, which is against cricket ethics and morals. Fixing bowling, like no balls or getting out on a particular ball, is known as spot fixing in cricket matches. This is a totally illegal and punishable act.
When did IPL Match Fixing Start?
As we all are aware that IPL started in 2008, which was a year that gave everyone their favourite league of cricket. After it started, the IPL was going great until some of the dark years emerged. IPL Match Fixing started in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. There were many serious reports of match fixing and betting that were highly unethical.
Number 1 Fixing Team in IPL: Chennai Super Kings
If one knows about the fixing team in IPL, they must know that Chennai Super Kings is the team that was primarily responsible for the fixing and betting in IPL. CSK is the team that is the most prominent and has the maximum number of fans since 2008. Players like M.S. Dhoni is the highlight of this glorifying league. Having said that, IPL season 2013 was the darkest year for such players, as their names were badly ruined.
What Happened in 2013?
The IPL Season 2013 was the darkest season for the Chennai Super Kings. From the team officials to the players, everyone was tarnished to the worst. Everyone was involved in the IPL betting scandal and spot fixing. This was what happened in 2013:
- The main official of CSK, named Gurunath Meiyappan, was under the spotlight. He was arrested by the Mumbai police for the allegations of match fixing and manipulating the result of the match.
- The most interesting part was that he was the son-in-law of BCCI President N. Srinivasan. He was involved in leaking confidential team information.
- This hinders the credibility of the team, and people doubt the authenticity of the team.
Other Match Fixing Team in IPL
Other than CSK, the Rajasthan Royals were also accused of the scandal and they have also seen the most of the toughest punishment under the BCCI’s new rules. Though CSK’s team officials were involved in the scandal, some players of the Rajasthan Royals were involved in spot fixing.
Players Involved in IPL Fixing:
The following are the names of the followers who were involved in the match fixing:
- S. Sreesanth (Rajasthan Royals): During the IPL season 2013, this fast bowler of the Indian National Cricket Team, playing for RR in the IPL, was arrested. His actions were illegal, as he accepted money to intentionally bowl a no-bowl to the opposite team. This was against the ethics of cricket. He got banned from cricket and was sent to jail by the Mumbai Police.
- Ajit Chandila (Rajasthan Royals): Another RR player who was involved in a match fixing scandal. He was also punished the same way as Sreeshant.
Impact on the Indian Premier League’s Image
With all this fixing and betting, the image of IPL declined like a falling leaf. It was very disappointing for such a huge cricket league to face such allegations. People were questioning the credibility of IPL, and doubts were raised about the brand value of IPL. It hindered the sponsorships and spectators of the matches.
Strict Actions Taken by IPL & BCCI
After seeing all this chaos going on in the most important league of cricket, it was the duty of the IPL and BCCI officials to take some strict action. They were:
- Justice Lodha Committee- The matter was shifted to the Supreme Court, and for the legal justice, they appointed Justice R.M Lodha Committe to further investigate the scandal.
- The individuals who were directly involved in the match fixing and spot fixing were completely banned from all formats of cricket.
- The teams involved in the scandal, like Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings were banned for two seasons of IPL, which were the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
- The BCCI and IPL Governance became very strict and made some highly strict rules for further assurance.
Rules Made Related to IPL Fixing
Some of the rules that were immediately implemented in the IPL were:
- Anti-corruption Unit (ACU): This unit was specially made to monitor every move of the players and team officials. Any suspicious behaviour detected will lead to the suspension of the player.
- Educational Program: They created some educational programs for the players to teach them the impact of corruption and the danger of illegal bookings.
- They were taught about the code of conduct.
Conclusion
With all this, it is a clear lesson for all the cricket formats that fixing a team in the IPL or any other format is completely illegal. Many strict rules and authorities are there to take care of the future of the most entertaining and promising sport in the world. IPL was an initiative to bring the global cricket teams under one league and maintain cordial relations. Failing to maintain the authenticity of the league was very impactful. But now the rules are different, and players are educated enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques1: What is Spot Fixing in IPL?
Ans: Fixing bowling, like no balls or getting out on a particular ball, is known as spot fixing in cricket matches.
Ques2: In which IPL season was the fixing of teams discovered?
Ans: It was the IPL season 2012 and 2013, in which some officials and some players were arrested for match fixing and betting.
Ques3: Which is the Number 1 fixing team in IPL?
Ans: Number 1 fixing team in IPL is Chennai Super Kings.
