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Top IPL Teams Linked to Fixing: Controversies and Facts in 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a widely followed cricket tournament known for its star players, thrilling matches, and huge fan base. Over the years, it has become the most popular franchise cricket league worldwide, backed by massive money and intense competition.

Yet, IPL’s history hasn’t been free from controversy. Match-fixing remains one of the darkest chapters, casting doubts on the league’s integrity. Though no single team is officially labelled as the "No 1 fixing team," a few franchises have frequently found themselves under scrutiny. Among them, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Mumbai Indians (MI) stand out due to past scandals and allegations.

Understanding Match-Fixing in IPL

Match-fixing involves players or officials deliberately influencing game outcomes or moments to benefit betting syndicates. This can range from bowling poorly on purpose to dropping catches intentionally or sharing insider information.

Several major fixing controversies have rocked the IPL since its inception, with CSK, MI, and RR linked to such incidents at different times.

Teams With Fixing Allegations

  • Rajasthan Royals: Players like S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan were arrested for spot-fixing, involving giving away runs and bowling no-balls intentionally.
  • Chennai Super Kings: Gurunath Meiyappan, a team official, was arrested for betting and providing insider info during the 2013 scandal.
  • Mumbai Indians: While no direct player or official was formally charged, umpiring controversies have sparked fan suspicions about unfair advantages.

History of Fixing Scandals

  • Rajasthan Royals: The first major fixing scandal in IPL involved RR players arrested in 2013. Later, co-owner Raj Kundra faced betting accusations, leading to bans and severe damage to the team's reputation.
  • Chennai Super Kings: In 2013, CSK's official Gurunath Meiyappan’s arrest led to investigations and a two-year team ban (2016-17), even though players were cleared of wrongdoing.
  • Mumbai Indians: Despite no formal charges, several umpiring decisions in favor of MI have raised eyebrows, including missed no-balls and disputed boundaries in key matches.

Recent Controversies in IPL 2025

During a close match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in May 2025, fans noticed questionable umpiring decisions:

  • A six hit by Delhi Capitals’ Vipraj Nigam was called a four.
  • A no-ball by MI’s Mitchell Santner went uncalled.
  • Controversial stump out decision against Abishek Porel where evidence was unclear.

These moments fueled fresh debates about fairness and whether some teams benefit disproportionately from officiating errors.

Players Involved in Fixing Cases

  • S. Sreesanth (Rajasthan Royals): Arrested for spot-fixing, he was banned for life by BCCI but later allowed to return by courts. He allegedly used signals to bowl bad balls intentionally.
  • Ajit Chandila (Rajasthan Royals): Accused of conceding extra runs on purpose in exchange for money; initially banned for life but later given a chance to play again.
  • Ankeet Chavan (Rajasthan Royals): Admitted involvement in fixing; also banned for life with subsequent reduction allowing his return.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which team is considered the No.1 fixing team in IPL? There is no official designation, but CSK and RR are often mentioned due to their bans and involvement in scandals.
  • Why was Chennai Super Kings banned? Their team official, Gurunath Meiyappan, was caught betting and providing inside information, resulting in a two-year suspension for the team.

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