The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful and loved franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shocked the cricketing world when they were banned for two IPL seasons — 2016 and 2017.
While fans celebrated CSK’s winning legacy under MS Dhoni, this dark chapter raised serious questions about integrity in cricket. Here’s the full story — from what triggered the ban, to the key people involved, the verdict, and CSK’s comeback.
What Led to CSK’s 2-Year Ban?
The controversy traces back to IPL 2013, a season marred by betting and match-fixing allegations. The center of the storm was Gurunath Meiyappan, who held a senior role in CSK and was also the son-in-law of N. Srinivasan, the then BCCI President and CSK owner.
Meiyappan was found guilty of placing illegal bets on IPL matches, including games involving his own team. He also had direct links with bookies.
Who Is Gurunath Meiyappan?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Role in CSK | Team Principal |
| Relationship | Son-in-law of N. Srinivasan |
| Crime | Betting on IPL matches |
| Arrested On | May 24, 2013 |
| Punishment | Lifetime ban from any involvement in cricketing activities under BCCI |
Meiyappan’s arrest just before the IPL 2013 final against Mumbai Indians caused a media storm and brought CSK into serious scrutiny.
Supreme Court Steps In – Lodha Committee Formed
After the betting scandal made headlines, the Supreme Court of India took charge. It first appointed a Mudgal Committee for initial investigation and then formed a three-member Lodha Committee, headed by Justice R.M. Lodha, to recommend action.
Key Verdicts from the Lodha Committee:
- Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra (co-owner of Rajasthan Royals) were found guilty of betting.
- Both were banned for life from all cricket activities.
- CSK and RR were suspended from IPL for 2 years (2016 & 2017) for allowing such individuals to remain involved.
Why Was CSK Held Responsible?
While CSK argued that Meiyappan was only an “honorary member”, official investigations found that he was actively involved in cricketing decisions and had access to inside information.
Investigations found Meiyappan was actively involved in team decisions and had access to insider information. CSK’s failure to distance itself from him and enforce accountability led to the two-year suspension.
“The damage caused to cricket was too big to ignore,” the Lodha panel stated.
Impact of the Ban on CSK & IPL
The ban had major consequences for the franchise, the players, and the league itself.
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Players | Players like MS Dhoni, Raina, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Bravo were picked by temporary teams (Rising Pune Supergiants & Gujarat Lions). |
| League | IPL lost 2 major teams (CSK & RR), and fan interest dipped. |
| Financials | Sponsorship losses; reduced revenue for CSK & IPL |
| Public Trust | IPL’s credibility was questioned. Anti-corruption reforms were introduced. |
N. Srinivasan’s Role
Although N. Srinivasan was not directly accused of betting, he came under fire due to conflict of interest. As both CSK owner and BCCI President at the time, the court criticised his dual role.
He was eventually removed from BCCI leadership roles to uphold transparency.
CSK’s Return in 2018 – The Redemption Story
After serving their two-year ban, CSK made a glorious return in IPL 2018 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. And what a comeback it was — they won the title!
It wasn’t just a cricketing victory, but a story of resilience, fan loyalty, and redemption.
Titles After the Ban:
- 2018 – Champions
- 2021 – Champions
- 2023 – Champions
Brand Value & Fan Support Remained Strong
Despite the controversy, CSK’s brand value bounced back, and as of 2025, it is estimated to be $231 million (INR 1,905 crore) — making it one of the most valuable franchises.
Their social media fanbase remains among the largest in the IPL, and MS Dhoni’s calm leadership continues to be the emotional heartbeat of the team.
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MS Dhoni’s Silence and Strength
During the scandal, Dhoni remained silent publicly but was visibly hurt. In the documentary Roar of the Lion, he opened up saying:
“The biggest crime I can commit is not murder, it is match-fixing.”
“The biggest crime that I can commit is not a murder, it is actually match fixing,” @msdhoni has said in a soon-to-be released documentary that focuses on Chennai Super Kings’ (@ChennaiIPL) fairytale #IPL comeback. #CSK https://t.co/ytlC9D73Cy
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) March 11, 2019
He also said it was one of the toughest phases of his life, questioning — “What mistake did the players make?”
Also Read: Top 10 Most Successful IPL Captains
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Gurunath Meiyappan arrested during IPL 2013 final |
| 2015 | July 14, 2015 – Lodha Committee announces 2-year suspension of CSK & RR |
| 2016–2017 | CSK and RR banned from IPL |
| 2018 | CSK returned to IPL and won the title |
| 2025 | CSK brand value hits all-time high |
The CSK ban remains one of the biggest controversies in IPL history. It served as a wake-up call for cricket administrators and franchises to uphold the sport’s integrity.
Read more: – RR vs CSK Head-to-Head Records at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
But CSK’s story didn’t end in disgrace. They came back stronger, silenced critics, and wrote a comeback story for the ages — proving that true champions rise even after they fall.
FAQs
Q. Why was CSK banned from IPL?
Because CSK official Gurunath Meiyappan was involved in betting, and the team failed to take timely action.
Q. Who was involved in the scandal?
Gurunath Meiyappan (CSK) and Raj Kundra (RR).
Q. Was MS Dhoni involved?
No. Dhoni was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Q. How long was CSK banned?
For 2 IPL seasons – 2016 and 2017.
Q. When did CSK return to IPL?
In 2018, and they won the title that year.
