Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Introduction
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having won five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) now equal Mumbai Indians (MI) in the list of franchises to win the most number of IPL titles. One of the main reasons for CSK’s success in the IPL is their dominant and consistent performance in the league over the years as they have ended up in the final 10 times in the 18 years of league’s history.
However, if we talk about CSK’s history, apart from their triumph’s, their two-year-ban from the IPL will also be highlighted in bold letters. The fans were left in shock after CSK were banned from IPL 2016 and 2017. What was the reason for CSK’s ban and how did they went on to make a memorable comeback in the league? Let’s have a look.
Background of the Controversy, Who is Gurunath Meiyappan?
It was back in 2013, when India’s most loved cricketing tournament, IPL was scarred by the allegations of spot-fixing and betting. Gurunath Meiyappan, who served as CSK’s Team Principal was accused of betting and passing inside information to the bookies. Meiyappan is also son-in-law of N. Srinivasan who is CSK’s owner and former BCCI President.
After the allegations, Meiyappan was found guilty of betting and was arrested just before the IPL 2013 final between CSK and MI. Along with him, Rajasthan Royals (RR) co-owner was also accused of illegal betting activities in the IPL.
Supreme Court Investigation and Formation of Lodha Committee
In 2015, the Supreme Court of India appointed the Lodha Committee especially to investigate the matter. After a months of investigation, the Lodha Committee found Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra were found guilty of betting and ruining the image of the league.
The Verdict: Why CSK Was Banned
Two-year suspension for CSK and Rajasthan Royals
As the owners of two big franchises of the IPL were found guilty of betting, this could have impacted league’s images as the fans would have trust issues with a big tournament like the IPL. As the integrity of the league was now in danger, the Lodha Committee went on to take a strict action and announced the suspension of CSK and RR from the IPL for two years in 2016 and 2017. Along with this, Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra also received lifetime bans from participating in the cricket related activities organised by the BCCI.
IPL with without CSK and RR
As two big teams were suspended from the IPL for two years, the BCCI opened the gate for two new teams to fill the void. After that, Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiants became a part of the league for the next two years in 2016 and 2017. However, these two teams could only continue and until CSK and RR were facing bans and discontinued when the bans were lifted ahead of IPL 2018.
CSK’s memorable comeback after 2-year ban
After serving a two-year ban, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals finally made their return in the IPL in the 2018 season. It turned out to be a memorable season for MS Dhoni-led CSK as they went on to list their third IPL title that year.
Even after being out of action for two years, CSK continued their dominance in the IPL as they used to before their suspension. In the final, CSK defeated SRH by eight wickets in the final and scripted one of the greatest comebacks in the IPL history.
FAQs
Q. Why was CSK banned?
A. CSK was suspended along with RR in 2016 and 2017 after owners of both the franchises were found guilty for spot fixing the IPL 2013.
Q. Was MS Dhoni involved in the controversy?
A. There are no reports that MS Dhoni was involved in the match-fixing scandal in 2013 and has also said that it was one of the most difficult phases in his career.
Q. Who is Gurunath Meiyappan?
Gurunath Meiyappan is son-in-law of N Srinivasan, owner of Chennai Super Kings. He is currently the managing director of AVM Productions and Entertainmen, founded by his grandfather AV Meiyappan.
Q. When did CSK return to IPL?
A. CSK made a return after a two-year ban in the IPL in 2018 and ended up winning the title in that edition.
Q. Did CSK win any titles after the ban?
Having won two titles before the ban, CSK made a memorable comeback after they won the title in 2018 after serving a ban in 2016 and 2017. After 2018, CSK went on to win the title in 2021 and 2023 as well.
