The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world, combining glamour, money, and thrilling cricket. But along with its success, the league has also been shadowed by match-fixing controversies. These incidents have led to bans, suspensions, and a serious question that still lingers in fans’ minds: Which is the No. 1 fixing team in IPL?
In this article, we take a closer look at the history of fixing in IPL, the teams involved, the major scandals, and rank the Top 5 fixing controversies that have shaped the debate.
What is Fixing in IPL?
Fixing in cricket usually comes in two forms:
- Match-Fixing – Deliberately manipulating the overall result of a match.
- Spot-Fixing – Fixing smaller incidents within a game (like a no-ball, wide, or giving away runs in a particular over).
Both are tied to illegal betting syndicates, and the IPL, due to its massive popularity and money flow, has been a frequent target.
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Teams Involved in Fixing Controversies
While no team has ever been officially declared as the No. 1 fixing team, two franchises – Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – have faced the most serious punishments, including two-year bans. Other teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Daredevils (now DC), and Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) have occasionally been linked to allegations, but without proven charges.
Top 5 Fixing Scandals in IPL History
1. 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal – Rajasthan Royals
- Players involved: S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan
- Incident: Arrested by Delhi Police for spot-fixing during matches.
- Outcome: Players received life bans (later reduced for some).
- Impact: RR’s image was severely damaged and the team was later banned.
2. CSK Betting Scandal – Gurunath Meiyappan (2013)
- Person involved: Gurunath Meiyappan (Team Principal of CSK)
- Allegations: Passed insider information to bookies and was actively betting.
- Outcome: Arrested and later banned from cricketing activities.
- Impact: CSK faced a two-year suspension (2016–2017), shocking fans worldwide.
3. 2012 Sting Operation
- Incident: A TV sting caught uncapped players like TP Sudhindra, Mohnish Mishra, and Shalabh Srivastava involved in spot-fixing and taking black money.
- Outcome: Immediate suspensions and bans.
- Impact: Highlighted how young domestic players were targeted by bookies.
4. Two-Year Ban of CSK & RR (2015 Verdict)
- Reason: Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee found CSK’s Gurunath Meiyappan and RR’s Raj Kundra guilty of betting.
- Outcome: Both franchises banned for IPL 2016 and 2017 seasons.
- Replacements: Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) replaced CSK, while Gujarat Lions replaced RR.
5. Umpiring Controversies & MI Allegations (2014–2025)
- Teams linked: Mumbai Indians
- Incidents:
- 2014: Questionable call vs RR helped MI qualify for playoffs.
- 2019: Lasith Malinga no-ball missed by umpire.
- 2025: Multiple controversial umpiring calls in MI vs DC and MI vs SRH games (no-ball and boundary disputes).
- Outcome: No proven fixing, but fan debates label MI as a “favored” team.
Comparative Table of IPL Fixing Incidents
| Year | Teams Involved | Players/Officials | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Multiple teams (uncapped players) | TP Sudhindra, Mohnish Mishra, Shalabh Srivastava | Banned |
| 2013 | Rajasthan Royals | Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan | Arrests, life bans |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | Gurunath Meiyappan | Arrested, CSK reputation damaged |
| 2015 | CSK & RR | Raj Kundra, Gurunath Meiyappan | Both teams banned for 2 years |
| 2019–2025 | Mumbai Indians (allegations) | N/A | No proven fixing, but controversies |
Statements from Key Figures
- MS Dhoni (2019): Called CSK’s suspension period his “most depressing time,” saying fixing only happens when multiple players are complicit.
- Rajasthan Royals (2013): “We need to respond firmly to keep the league fair. Strong action shows our commitment to honesty.”
- Gautam Gambhir: Emphasized that spirit of the game means playing hard but fair, without corruption.
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Has IPL Fixed the Fixing Issue?
Since 2013, the BCCI has tightened its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) protocols:
- Life bans for guilty players.
- Strict education programs for young players.
- Surveillance and collaboration with law enforcement against betting syndicates.
While illegal betting still exists, IPL today is much more secure, and no major fixing scandal has shaken the tournament in recent years.
Read more: Top 10 Most Successful IPL Captains (2008–2025)
Conclusion
So, which is the No. 1 fixing team in IPL?
- Historically, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have been most tainted, both facing two-year bans.
- Mumbai Indians have faced fan allegations but no proven charges.
- No franchise has ever been officially declared as the “No. 1 fixing team” by BCCI or ICC.
Like to know? Why CSK Was Banned for 2 Years?
The truth is, while IPL has faced its dark moments, strict anti-corruption efforts have kept the league strong. Fans should remember the past but also celebrate how the tournament continues to deliver world-class cricket.
