The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest and most celebrated T20 cricket leagues globally. Since its inception in 2008, the league has offered thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and cricketing entertainment like never before. However, like any massive sporting league, the IPL has also faced controversies — the most damaging being match-fixing and spot-fixing.
One question that continues to arise is: Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL? This article explores this highly debated topic by looking into historical facts, controversies, official reports, and team involvement, using data and sources to provide a factual understanding.
Understanding Match Fixing in the IPL
Before we address which is No 1 fixing team in IPL, it is important to understand what constitutes fixing in cricket.
Types of Fixing:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Match Fixing | Predetermined result before the game begins |
| Spot Fixing | Fixing specific moments in a match (e.g., no-balls, runs in an over, etc.) |
| Pitch Fixing | Manipulating pitch conditions intentionally |
| Betting Scandals | Players or staff involved in illegal betting |
These illegal practices harm the integrity of the sport and violate ICC and BCCI codes of conduct.
Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL? A Historical Perspective
The most infamous fixing scandal in IPL history occurred in 2013, when two major franchises were directly or indirectly linked to corrupt practices. This brings us to the main question: Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL?
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
One of the most successful and fan-favorite teams in the IPL, Chennai Super Kings, came under severe scrutiny in 2013 when their team principal Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested on charges of betting and alleged links to bookies.
Timeline of Events:
- Gurunath Meiyappan, linked with CSK, was arrested by Mumbai Police in 2013.
- The Mudgal Committee report later confirmed his involvement in betting.
- The Supreme Court observed that Meiyappan was a team official despite CSK denying it.
- As a result, CSK was suspended for 2 years (2016–2017) along with Rajasthan Royals.
This incident significantly fuels the argument for those who claim CSK as the answer to which is no 1 fixing team in IPL.
2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Alongside CSK, Rajasthan Royals was also suspended for two years. The team’s players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, were arrested for spot-fixing during IPL 2013.
Notable Details:
- Sreesanth was accused of underperforming on purpose during specific overs.
- Delhi Police revealed phone recordings between players and bookies.
- BCCI handed lifetime bans (some later lifted by courts).
Given that three players were arrested from one team, RR is often mentioned in discussions about which is the no 1 fixing team in IPL.
Major IPL Fixing Scandals
| Year | Team | People Involved | Type of Fixing | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | Gurunath Meiyappan (Team Principal) | Betting | CSK suspended 2 years |
| 2013 | Rajasthan Royals | Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan (Players) | Spot-fixing | RR suspended 2 years |
| 2010 | Kings XI Punjab | Ravindra Jadeja (illegal negotiation, not fixing) | Conduct violation | Fined/Suspended temporarily |
| 2018 | Various (Players) | Ongoing ICC and BCCI anti-corruption investigations | Not publicly disclosed | Monitored |
Did you know?
The 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal led to the formation of the Lodha Committee, which recommended major reforms in BCCI governance and franchise ownership to prevent future corruption.
Key Points: Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL?
- ✅ CSK and RR were the only two franchises officially suspended for two seasons.
- ✅ CSK’s team official Gurunath Meiyappan was found guilty of betting.
- ✅ RR had three players arrested for spot-fixing during a live season.
- ✅ Both franchises returned in 2018 after completing suspension terms.
- ✅ No team since then has faced a suspension of similar severity.
Considering the above, many point to either Chennai Super Kings or Rajasthan Royals when asked which is no 1 fixing team in IPL, although no team currently holds an ongoing ban.
IPL Post-Scandal: Is Fixing Still a Concern?
While the IPL has moved on from the 2013 scandal, questions like which is no 1 fixing team in IPL still surface due to the scale of the incident.
BCCI and ICC have since:
- Set up anti-corruption units (ACU)
- Implemented stricter surveillance of players and staff
- Increased penalties for betting-related offenses
- Educated players on how to report suspicious activity
Public Perception and Media Impact
Even though both CSK and RR have made successful comebacks, including CSK winning the IPL multiple times since their return, the scars of 2013 remain.
Online forums, Reddit discussions, and Twitter debates often raise the question: Which is the No 1 fixing team in IPL?
The phrase is sometimes used unfairly due to fan rivalry, but historically, it’s based on the 2013 findings.
Comparison: CSK vs RR in Fixing Allegations
| Category | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Incident | 2013 | 2013 |
| People Involved | Team official (Meiyappan) | 3 players (Sreesanth, etc.) |
| Legal Action Taken | Yes, via Mudgal Committee | Yes, Delhi Police arrested players |
| BCCI Action | 2-year suspension | 2-year suspension |
| Fan Impact | High, due to team popularity | Moderate |
Both teams have been historically linked with fixing, making them the only logical answers when discussing which is no 1 fixing team in IPL.
How the IPL Has Changed Since Then
The BCCI has worked hard to restore IPL’s reputation. Some positive developments include:
- Franchise ownership transparency
- Better financial regulation
- Monitoring of players’ communication with outsiders
- Frequent anti-corruption workshops
These improvements make it less likely that any current team could be labeled as which is the no 1 fixing team in IPL, but historical records cannot be ignored.
Final Word: Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL?
To answer this controversial but widely searched question — Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL? — based on verified reports, legal action, and BCCI’s own suspensions, the answer narrows down to Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
- CSK was suspended due to the involvement of a team official in betting.
- RR had three players arrested and charged for spot-fixing.
While both teams served their punishment and returned clean, they remain the only franchises in IPL history to be suspended due to fixing-related controversies.
Thus, historically speaking, these are the teams most frequently cited in discussions around which is the no 1 fixing team in IPL.
References
- Lodha Committee Report, Supreme Court of India
- Mudgal Committee Report
- ESPNcricinfo Archives – IPL 2013 Fixing Scandal
- The Hindu – “Gurunath Meiyappan Guilty of Betting”
- NDTV – “Sreesanth Arrested for Spot Fixing”
FAQs: Which is No 1 Fixing Team in IPL?
The first teams suspended due to fixing scandals were Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in 2015, following the 2013 betting and spot-fixing controversies.
Gurunath Meiyappan, a team official and relative of the team owner, was found guilty of illegal betting activities linked to CSK.
Three Rajasthan Royals players—S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan—were arrested for involvement in spot-fixing during the 2013 IPL season.
No other IPL team besides CSK and RR has faced official suspensions or major fixing allegations to date.
The IPL and BCCI have introduced stricter anti-corruption units, frequent player education, communication monitoring, and tougher penalties to prevent fixing and maintain the sport’s integrity.
