Why Were CSK and RR Banned from the IPL? – A Deep Dive into the IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal and Their 2025 Comeback

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket—it’s a phenomenon that blends sports, entertainment, and drama. Two of its most storied franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), have contributed immensely to the league’s legacy. However, their journeys have not been without controversy. Both teams faced bans from the IPL due to the infamous spot-fixing and betting scandal that rocked Indian cricket in 2013. This blog explores the reasons behind their suspensions, the impact on the league, and how CSK and RR have fought back to reclaim their place in the IPL, including their struggles in the 2025 season.

Own the Game with Your Cricket ID – Start Playing in Minutes!

The IPL Spot-Fixing and Betting Scandal: The Backstory

The IPL’s reputation took a massive hit in 2013 when allegations of spot-fixing and illegal betting surfaced, leading to the arrests of several players and team officials. The scandal involved players deliberately underperforming in exchange for money from bookies, a practice known as spot-fixing. Investigations by the Delhi Police and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) uncovered deep-rooted corruption, implicating not just players but also team owners and officials.

Key Figures Involved

Gurunath Meiyappan (CSK): The son-in-law of N. Srinivasan, then BCCI president and owner of CSK, was found guilty of betting on matches and passing inside information to bookies.

Raj Kundra (RR): The co-owner of Rajasthan Royals was also found guilty of betting on IPL matches, violating the league’s anti-corruption code.

The Fallout: Suspension of CSK and RR

In July 2015, the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee, tasked with investigating the scandal, delivered its verdict:

Chennai Super Kings: Banned for two years (2016 and 2017) due to the involvement of Gurunath Meiyappan.

Rajasthan Royals: Banned for two years (2016 and 2017) due to the involvement of Raj Kundra.

Both teams were forced to miss two seasons of the IPL, a significant blow to their brand value, fan base, and the league itself. The suspensions were intended to serve as a deterrent against corruption and to restore the integrity of the IPL.

Impact on the IPL and Fans

The bans had far-reaching consequences:

Loss of Star Power: CSK, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, and RR, known for nurturing young talent, were sorely missed by fans. Their absence left a void in the league’s narrative.

Financial Setbacks: Sponsors and advertisers were hesitant to associate with the league during the scandal, and the absence of two popular teams further dented revenues.

Rebuilding Trust: The IPL had to work hard to regain the trust of fans and stakeholders, implementing stricter anti-corruption measures and transparency protocols.

The Comeback: CSK and RR Return to the IPL

After serving their suspensions, both teams made triumphant returns in 2018.

Chennai Super Kings: Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won the IPL in their comeback season, proving their resilience and winning back fans’ hearts.

Rajasthan Royals: RR, known for their underdog spirit, also returned with renewed energy, focusing on young talent and innovative strategies.

IPL 2025: A Season of Struggles for CSK and RR

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and both teams found themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table, a far cry from their glory days. The season was marked by inconsistent performances, injuries, and a lack of match-winning contributions.

The Final Clash: CSK vs RR at Arun Jaitley Stadium

The last league match between CSK and RR was a battle for pride, as both teams had already been knocked out of playoff contention. The match, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, was notable for the emergence of 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a scintillating 57 off 33 balls, leading RR to a comfortable six-wicket victory. CSK, despite a decent total of 187/8, were outclassed, and the loss likely condemned them to a last-place finish for the first time in their history.

Key Highlights of CSK vs RR, IPL 2025

CSK Innings: CSK posted 187/8, thanks to forties from Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis.

RR Chase: RR chased down the target with 17 balls to spare, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi (57 off 33) and Sanju Samson (41 off 31) leading the charge. Dhruv Jurel finished the match in style, ensuring RR ended their campaign on a high.

Young Sensation: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 14 years old, emerged as one of the brightest talents of the season, scoring 252 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of over 200.

Why Were CSK and RR Banned? 

For those searching for “why were CSK and RR banned from IPL,” the answer lies in the 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal. Both teams were suspended for two years (2016 and 2017) because their officials were found guilty of betting on matches, violating the IPL’s anti-corruption code. This was a landmark moment in IPL history, leading to stricter regulations and a renewed focus on integrity.

The Road Ahead for CSK and RR

Despite their struggles in IPL 2025, both CSK and RR remain integral to the IPL’s fabric. Their loyal fan bases, rich histories, and ability to bounce back from adversity make them perennial contenders for future success. The emergence of young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a positive sign for RR, while CSK will look to rebuild and return stronger next season.

Conclusion

The bans on CSK and RR were a dark chapter in IPL history, but they also served as a turning point for the league’s governance and integrity. Both teams have since made strong comebacks, proving their resilience and commitment to the spirit of cricket. While IPL 2025 was a season to forget for both franchises, their stories of redemption and renewal continue to inspire fans and players alike.