Who is the most fixing team in ipl ?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has captivated cricket fans worldwide with its exciting matches and star-studded line-ups since its inception in 2008. However, the league has also been marred by several controversies, particularly related to match-fixing and betting scandals. These issues have cast a shadow over the tournament and sparked disputes between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other international cricket bodies. This article delves into the history of match-fixing in the IPL, highlighting key incidents and their aftermath.
1. The 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal
The 2013 spot-fixing scandal was one of the most significant and shocking events in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It exposed the dark side of cricket and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the sport.
Key Figures Involved
Players:
- Sreesanth: Former Indian fast bowler and a key player for the Rajasthan Royals.
- Ajit Chandila: An off-spinner for the Rajasthan Royals.
- Ankeet Chavan: A left-arm spinner, also from the Rajasthan Royals.
Others:
- Gurunath Meiyappan: Team Principal of the Chennai Super Kings and son-in-law of N. Srinivasan, the then BCCI President.
- Vindu Dara Singh: Bollywood actor and alleged bookie.
Details of the Scandal
How It Unfolded:
In May 2013, the Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan for their involvement in spot-fixing during IPL matches. The police had been conducting extensive surveillance on the players and several bookies for weeks, which led to these arrests.
Modus Operandi:
The accused players were allegedly promised large sums of money to underperform during certain overs. For example, they were instructed to bowl no-balls at specific moments. This pre-arranged manipulation allowed bookies to place bets with guaranteed outcomes, leading to significant financial gains.
Consequences and Fallout
Immediate Repercussions:
- Arrests: Sreesanth, Chandila, and Chavan were immediately arrested and charged with cheating and conspiracy.
- Suspensions: The BCCI suspended the involved players and launched an internal investigation.
Further Investigations:
The scandal deepened when the Mumbai Police arrested Gurunath Meiyappan for his alleged involvement in betting. Vindu Dara Singh was also arrested for acting as a middleman between Meiyappan and bookies.
Judicial and Legal Actions
RM Lodha Committee:
In response to the scandal, the Supreme Court of India appointed the RM Lodha Committee to investigate the matter. The committee’s findings led to:
- Bans: Sreesanth and Chavan received life bans from cricket, while Chandila was also banned for life.
- Suspensions: The Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years from the IPL.
Supreme Court Verdict:
In 2015, the Supreme Court of India found Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra (co-owner of Rajasthan Royals) guilty of betting and bringing the game into disrepute. This led to further sanctions against the teams and individuals involved.
Reversal of Bans:
In a twist of events, in 2019, the Supreme Court lifted the life ban on Sreesanth, reducing it to a seven-year suspension, which allowed him to return to competitive cricket.
Impact on the IPL and Cricket
Loss of Credibility:
The scandal severely damaged the credibility of the IPL and raised questions about the governance of cricket in India. It highlighted the need for stricter regulations and better oversight to protect the integrity of the sport.
Reforms and Measures:
The BCCI and IPL authorities implemented several measures to prevent such incidents in the future:
- Anti-Corruption Units: Strengthening the role of anti-corruption units to monitor and investigate any suspicious activities.
- Player Education: Initiating comprehensive education programs for players to make them aware of the risks and consequences of engaging in corrupt practices.
- Stricter Penalties: Enforcing stricter penalties for any form of corruption or unethical behavior within the league.
2. The 2012 Sting Operation
In 2012, a sting operation conducted by India TV exposed several uncapped players involved in spot-fixing. The implicated players were:
- Abhinav Bali (Delhi)
- TP Sudhindra (Deccan Chargers)
- Mohnish Mishra (Pune Warriors)
- Amit Yadav (Kings XI Punjab)
- Shalabh Srivastava (Deccan Chargers)
Revelations and Impact:
Mohnish Mishra was recorded claiming that franchisees paid players in black money, admitting to receiving 15 million rupees, of which 12 million rupees were in black money. Following the sting operation, the IPL president Rajiv Shukla promptly banned the implicated players, reinforcing the league’s zero-tolerance stance towards corruption.
3. Continued Allegations and Legal Challenges
Despite measures to curb corruption, the IPL has continued to face allegations and legal challenges. In 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested seven individuals on suspicion of betting on rigged IPL matches. These arrests were based on information from Pakistan and highlighted ongoing concerns about the integrity of the league.
Details of the Case:
- Defendants: Dileep Kumar (Delhi), Gurram Vasu and Gurram Satish (Hyderabad), Sajjan Singh, Prabhu Lal Meena, Ram Avtar, and Amit Kumar Sharma (Rajasthan).
- Time Frame: The alleged betting scams had been taking place since 2010 and 2013, indicating long-standing issues within the league.
Conclusion
The IPL’s history is riddled with match-fixing and betting scandals that have threatened the integrity of the tournament. Despite the BCCI’s efforts to enforce strict regulations and ban those involved, the league continues to face challenges in maintaining its reputation.
Measures to Ensure Integrity:
- Anti-Corruption Units: Dedicated units to monitor and investigate corrupt activities.
- Player Education: Programs to inform players about the risks and consequences of corruption.
- Legal Actions: Ensuring robust legal proceedings against those found guilty.
The Path Forward:
While controversies have undoubtedly marred the IPL, the league’s commitment to addressing these issues shows a dedication to preserving the sport’s integrity. By continuing to enforce strict regulations and educating players, the IPL aims to uphold the spirit of the game and maintain its position as one of the premier cricketing tournaments globally.