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IPL’s Top Fixing Controversies: Teams, Scandals & Facts (2025)
Amir Azimi
Daily News

IPL’s Top Fixing Controversies: Teams, Scandals & Facts (2025)

Teams Linked to Fixing in IPL History

The Indian Premier League is hugely popular worldwide, known for its star players and intense contests. But the league has also faced serious challenges, especially involving match-fixing allegations that have questioned its integrity. Over the years, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians have been the teams most often connected with fixing scandals.

Match-fixing refers to players or officials manipulating game outcomes, sometimes passing insider info or deliberately playing poorly to benefit betting syndicates. While no single team can be officially called the "No 1 fixing team," these three franchises have been under the spotlight due to past incidents.

Major Fixing Cases and Consequences

  • Rajasthan Royals: In 2013, players S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan were arrested for spot-fixing, accused of conceding runs and bowling deliberate no-balls for money. All three were banned from cricket, with some bans later reduced. Team co-owner Raj Kundra was also banned for betting-related issues. The franchise itself was suspended for two IPL seasons (2016-17).
  • Chennai Super Kings: Gurunath Meiyappan, a team official, was arrested in 2013 for betting and sharing inside information. Though players were not found guilty, the management faced penalties and the team was banned from the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons.
  • Mumbai Indians: No formal charges against players or staff, but umpiring controversies have fueled rumors of unfair advantages benefiting MI in several matches from 2014 through 2025. Fans have raised concerns over questionable calls during key games.

Details on Teams and Players Involved

  • Rajasthan RoyalsS. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila - Arrested for spot-fixing.
  • Chennai Super KingsGurunath Meiyappan - Arrested for betting and providing insider info.
  • Mumbai IndiansNo direct arrests, but alleged links and disputed umpiring decisions.

Spotlight on Chennai Super Kings

CSK stands as one of the most successful IPL teams with five titles and a massive fan base. Yet, the 2013 scandal involving Gurunath Meiyappan, a relative of the team management, marked a dark chapter. His arrest for betting triggered investigations by the BCCI and courts, leading to the team’s suspension for two seasons. Since then, CSK has distanced itself from controversies, but some fans still label them the “king of IPL fixing.”

Rajasthan Royals’ Fixing Legacy

The RR saga began with their players’ arrests in 2013 for spot-fixing, shaking the league's credibility. Sreesanth’s involvement was particularly damaging, resulting in lifetime bans (later softened) and major scrutiny. Co-owner Raj Kundra’s betting ban deepened the scandal. RR’s two-year IPL ban matched CSK’s punishment. Most recently, in IPL 2025, accusations arose again after a close loss, but the franchise denied any wrongdoing.

Controversies Around Mumbai Indians

Though MI has never had formal fixing charges, umpiring controversies have sparked debate among fans. Several matches featured questionable calls benefiting MI, such as missed no-ball calls or disputed boundaries in tight finishes between 2014 and 2025. During a May 2025 match against Delhi Capitals, multiple umpiring errors including an incorrect six call and overlooked no-ball raised eyebrows and reignited fixing rumors.

Notable Players Caught in Fixing Scandals

  • S. Sreesanth (RR): Former India pacer caught spot-fixing; signals like towel movements revealed intentional poor deliveries; arrested and banned, though later allowed back.
  • Ajit Chandila (RR): Spinner involved in spot-fixing, paid to concede runs; lifetime ban shortened later.
  • Ankeet Chavan (RR): Spinner admitting fixing involvement; faced life ban, reduced eventually.

Recent Fixing-Related Incidents in IPL 2025

In 2025, fans questioned umpiring fairness, especially around Mumbai Indians. Controversial decisions included a no-ball missed for MI’s Mitchell Santner and a wrongly downgraded six for Delhi Capitals’ Vipraj Nigam. These moments stirred debates but lacked concrete proof. IPL organizers maintain strict monitoring to prevent fixing and protect the sport's integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the No.1 fixing team in IPL? There is no official designation. However, CSK and RR are most commonly linked to past scandals and were banned in 2016 and 2017.
  • Why was CSK banned? Because team official Gurunath Meiyappan was found guilty of betting and sharing inside information.

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