Which is the No. 2 Fixing Team in IPL?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its electrifying matches, star-studded line-ups, and massive global following. However, despite its success, the league has also been tainted by match-fixing and betting scandals. Some teams and players have been implicated in controversies, raising concerns about the integrity of the sport.

While it is difficult to definitively label a single team as the “No. 2 fixing team” in IPL history, multiple teams have been associated with fixing scandals. Based on the historical evidence, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the two franchises most frequently linked to match-fixing and betting controversies.

Which is the No. 2 Fixing Team in IPL?

1. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – The Most Infamous Fixing Controversy (2013)

The Rajasthan Royals have been at the center of multiple controversies, making them one of the most scrutinized teams in IPL history. The biggest scandal involving RR occurred in 2013, when three of their players—S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila—were arrested for spot-fixing.

Details of the 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal:

• The Delhi Police arrested the three players for allegedly receiving money from bookies to manipulate certain aspects of the game.
• Investigations revealed that bookies were dictating specific actions like bowling deliberate no-balls.
• Sreesanth, a prominent Indian fast bowler, received a seven-year ban, while Ajit Chandila was given a lifetime ban from cricket.

Which is the No. 1 Fixing Team in IPL?

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Banned Due to Betting Involvement (2015-2017)

Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL franchises, also faced allegations related to match-fixing, particularly due to the involvement of its team official Gurunath Meiyappan in illegal betting.

Key Facts About CSK’s 2015 Suspension:

• Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of former BCCI president N. Srinivasan and a top CSK official, was found guilty of illegal betting.
• The Lodha Committee banned Meiyappan for life from cricket-related activities.
• As a consequence, CSK was banned for two IPL seasons (2016 and 2017).
• The ban on CSK was not directly for match-fixing but for the involvement of key personnel in betting.

Which Is the No. 2 Fixing Team in IPL?

If we consider historical evidence and the severity of punishments, CSK and RR are the two most tainted teams in IPL history. However, if we rank them based on direct match-fixing involvement, Rajasthan Royals takes the No. 1 spot, while Chennai Super Kings can be considered the No. 2 fixing team.

Why CSK Is Considered No. 2:

• While players from RR were directly involved in spot-fixing, CSK’s scandal revolved around a team official (Gurunath Meiyappan) engaging in betting rather than fixing matches.
• The severity of the punishment—two-year ban from the IPL—places CSK in a strong position as the second most controversial team.

A Timeline of IPL Fixing Controversies

Year	Team(s) Involved	Individuals Involved	Details
2012	Uncapped Players	5 domestic Indian cricketers	Arrested for alleged involvement in spot-fixing and illegal betting activities.
2013	Rajasthan Royals	S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila	Arrested for spot-fixing allegations; banned for different durations.
2013	Chennai Super Kings	Gurunath Meiyappan (Team Official)	Found guilty of illegal betting; CSK later banned for two years.
2015	CSK, RR	N/A	Both teams suspended for two years due to involvement in 2013 fixing scandal.
2018	N/A	Sreesanth (Former Player)	Ban lifted due to lack of conclusive evidence.
2019	Multiple Arrests	Pakistani bookies	Authorities arrested bookies involved in match-fixing during IPL.

BCCI’s Measures to Combat Match-Fixing

Following these controversies, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council implemented several measures to prevent corruption in the league:

• Strengthened Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU): The ACU actively monitors player activities, team officials, and betting syndicates.
• Education Programs for Players: New players are regularly educated on the risks and consequences of getting involved in match-fixing.
• Strict Penalties: Players and officials found guilty face lifetime bans, legal action, and financial penalties.
• Real-Time Monitoring: The IPL introduced tracking tools to monitor suspicious betting patterns.

Player and Expert Reactions on IPL Match-Fixing

Several top players and cricketing experts have spoken about the impact of fixing scandals on the IPL.

• Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK Captain, 2019): “The suspension of CSK was one of the hardest periods of my career. It affected not just the players but the entire fan base. Fixing can only happen if multiple players are involved.”
• Rajasthan Royals Official Statement (2013): “We take these allegations seriously. Any player involved in corruption has no place in our team. We are committed to a fair and clean IPL.”

Conclusion: Fixing Controversies Will Always Linger

While Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been at the center of the IPL’s biggest fixing scandals, both teams have successfully rebuilt their reputations after serving their suspensions. Rajasthan Royals holds the No. 1 spot due to direct player involvement in fixing, while Chennai Super Kings ranks No. 2 due to team official involvement in illegal betting.

Despite these past issues, the IPL remains one of the most-watched and celebrated cricket leagues globally, thanks to continuous efforts to ensure transparency and fair play.

However, match-fixing remains a dark cloud over cricket, and governing bodies must remain vigilant to safeguard the integrity of the game.