Which Is the No. 2 Fixing Team in IPL? Full Story, Facts & Impact

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament-it’s a festival for fans, a goldmine for brands, and a dream platform for players. But as glittering as the IPL is, its history has also been shadowed by controversies, especially those related to match-fixing and betting scandals. One question that often pops up among cricket enthusiasts is: Which is the No. 2 fixing team in IPL history?

If you’ve ever wondered about the answer, or simply want to understand the background and impact of IPL’s fixing scandals, this article is your complete guide. Let’s dive deep, break down the facts, and clear the air-using simple, conversational language and a personalized touch.

The IPL is one of the most-watched sporting leagues in the world. With teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals battling for glory, the tournament is a showcase of cricketing excellence. But, as with any big-money event, the IPL has also attracted its share of controversy-none more damaging than the fixing scandals that rocked the league in 2013.

These scandals not only tarnished the image of the league but also raised uncomfortable questions about the integrity of the teams and players involved. Among the teams, two names-Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR)-have often been at the center of these discussions. While CSK is frequently labeled the “No. 1 fixing team” due to high-profile management involvement, RR is widely regarded as the “No. 2 fixing team” because of the direct involvement of multiple players and a co-owner in fixing and betting scandals.

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IPL Fixing Scandals: Setting the Context

Before we zoom in on the Rajasthan Royals, let’s quickly recap the major fixing controversies in IPL history. Understanding the broader context helps us see why certain teams are perceived the way they are.

What Is Match-Fixing and Spot-Fixing?

Match-fixing: Manipulating the outcome of an entire match.
Spot-fixing: Fixing specific moments, like a particular over or delivery, for betting purposes.

Both are illegal and deeply damaging to the sport’s credibility.

Major IPL Fixing Scandals

Year	Team(s) Involved	Type of Scandal	Key People Involved	Outcome
2013	Rajasthan Royals (RR)	Spot-fixing, Betting	Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan, Kundra	Players & owner banned, team suspended
2013	Chennai Super Kings (CSK)	Betting, Insider Info	Gurunath Meiyappan	Team official banned, team suspended

The 2013 IPL Spot-Fixing and Betting Scandal

Let’s take a closer look at the 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal-the biggest controversy in IPL history and the one that put Rajasthan Royals in the spotlight.

Timeline of Events:

May 2013: The Storm Breaks

Delhi Police arrested three Rajasthan Royals players-S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan-on charges of spot-fixing.
The arrests happened soon after a match in Mumbai, following extensive phone tapping and surveillance of suspected bookies and players.

The Modus Operandi

Bookies would instruct players to perform specific actions (like conceding a certain number of runs in an over) in exchange for money.
Players used subtle signals-like adjusting a towel or stretching before an over-to communicate with bookies.

Owner Involvement

Raj Kundra, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, was questioned and later confessed to betting on IPL matches, including those involving his own team.
His passport was impounded, and he was eventually banned from all cricket-related activities.

BCCI’s Response

Both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the IPL for two years (2016 and 2017).
The BCCI set up emergency meetings and initiated stricter anti-corruption protocols.

Key People Involved

Name	Role	Involvement	Outcome
S. Sreesanth	RR Player	Spot-fixing	Arrested, banned
Ajit Chandila	RR Player	Spot-fixing	Arrested, banned
Ankeet Chavan	RR Player	Spot-fixing	Arrested, banned
Raj Kundra	RR Co-owner	Betting	Banned for life
Gurunath Meiyappan	CSK Team Official	Betting, Insider Info	Banned for life

Rajasthan Royals: The No. 2 Fixing Team?

Why RR Is Considered No. 2

The Rajasthan Royals were the first IPL team to be deeply embroiled in a major fixing scandal. Here’s why they’re often labeled as the No. 2 fixing team:

Direct Player Involvement: Three players from RR were arrested for spot-fixing during live matches.
Owner Implicated: Co-owner Raj Kundra confessed to betting on IPL games, including those featuring his own team.
Franchise Suspension: The team was banned for two seasons (2016 and 2017), a punishment only matched by CSK.
Media and Public Perception: The scale of the scandal and the involvement of both players and management led to widespread condemnation and lasting reputational damage.

“The Rajasthan Royals were the first team to face major match-fixing issues. In 2013, three of their players…were arrested for spot-fixing. These players were accused of giving away runs and bowling no-balls in exchange for money from bookies.”

Owner Involvement: Raj Kundra

Raj Kundra’s role in the scandal cannot be overstated:

He confessed to placing bets on IPL matches, including those involving RR.
His friend and business partner, Umesh Goenka, was also implicated.
The BCCI and the RR management suspended Kundra and took away his shares if charges were proven.
Kundra’s actions led to a lifetime ban from all cricket-related activities.

Impact on the Franchise

The fallout for Rajasthan Royals was severe:

Team Suspension: Along with CSK, RR was banned from IPL for two seasons (2016 and 2017).
Players’ Careers Ruined: Sreesanth, Chandila, and Chavan were banned from cricket, with their careers effectively ended.
Reputational Damage: The franchise’s image took a massive hit, and it took years to rebuild trust with fans and sponsors.

Comparison Table: Major IPL Fixing Scandals

Here’s a quick comparison of the two biggest IPL fixing scandals:

Team	Year	Type of Scandal	Key People Involved	Outcome
Rajasthan Royals	2013	Spot-fixing, Betting	Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan, Kundra	Players and owner banned, team suspended
Chennai Super Kings	2013	Betting, Insider Info	Gurunath Meiyappan	Team official banned, team suspended

This table highlights why RR is seen as the No. 2 fixing team-direct player involvement, owner implicated, and franchise suspension, just one step behind CSK’s high-profile management scandal.

How the Scandal Changed IPL Forever

The 2013 fixing scandal was a watershed moment for the IPL. Here’s how it changed the league:

Stricter Regulations

The BCCI introduced more robust anti-corruption protocols.
The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) was given more powers to monitor players, officials, and betting patterns.

Franchise Accountability

Teams were held responsible for the actions of their owners and players.
The two-year suspension for RR and CSK sent a strong message to all franchises.

Player Education

Regular workshops and seminars were introduced to educate players about the dangers and consequences of fixing.

Increased Surveillance

Phone tapping, undercover operations, and sting operations became more common to detect and prevent fixing.

BCCI & IPL’s Anti-Corruption Measures

After the 2013 scandal, the BCCI and IPL took several steps to restore the league’s integrity:

Establishment of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU): Tasked with monitoring all IPL matches and investigating suspicious activities.
Strict Player Protocols: Players are now prohibited from carrying mobile phones in dressing rooms and are closely monitored during matches.
Zero-Tolerance Policy: Any player or official found guilty of fixing faces a lifetime ban.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The BCCI works closely with police and intelligence agencies to track betting syndicates and bookies.

Lasting Impact and Public Perception

The 2013 spot-fixing scandal left a lasting scar on the IPL and the Rajasthan Royals:

Fan Trust Shaken: Many fans felt betrayed, leading to a drop in viewership and stadium attendance for a period.
Brand Image Damaged: Sponsors and advertisers distanced themselves from tainted teams.
Players’ Lives Changed Forever: The banned players lost not just their careers but also public respect and future opportunities in cricket.

Media and Social Media Reactions

The media coverage was relentless, with headlines focusing on the “fall from grace” of RR and CSK.
Social media was abuzz with debates, memes, and calls for stricter punishment.

The Road to Redemption

Since returning to the IPL, both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have worked hard to rebuild their reputations.
Both teams have focused on transparency, youth development, and community engagement to win back fans’ trust.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

The story of the Rajasthan Royals as the No. 2 fixing team in IPL history is a cautionary tale-a reminder that no matter how successful or beloved a franchise is, integrity must never be compromised. The 2013 scandal forced the IPL to confront its vulnerabilities and emerge stronger, with tighter controls and a renewed commitment to fair play.

Today, the IPL is more vigilant than ever, with robust systems in place to detect and prevent corruption. While the scars of the past remain, the league’s determination to protect the spirit of cricket is stronger than ever.

Key Takeaways:

The Rajasthan Royals were at the center of the first major IPL fixing scandal, leading to player arrests, an owner ban, and a two-year team suspension.
Public and media perception, combined with the scale of the scandal, firmly places RR as the No. 2 fixing team in IPL history.
The IPL’s response has been decisive, with stricter regulations, better education, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

As fans, it’s our hope that the lessons of the past ensure a cleaner, fairer, and more thrilling IPL in the years to come.

If you found this article insightful, share your thoughts in the comments below! Who do you think has done the most to restore their reputation post-scandal-Rajasthan Royals or Chennai Super Kings? Let’s keep the conversation going!

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does it mean to be labeled a “fixing team” in the IPL?
A “fixing team” refers to an IPL franchise that has been involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing scandals, either through its players, owners, or officials. This label is based on public perception and the scale of the controversy.

2. Why are Rajasthan Royals considered the No. 2 fixing team in IPL history?
Rajasthan Royals earned this label after three of their players and a co-owner were arrested for spot-fixing and betting in 2013. The team was suspended for two seasons, making it one of the most high-profile fixing cases in IPL history.

3. Who were the key people involved in the Rajasthan Royals fixing scandal?
The main individuals were players S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan, and co-owner Raj Kundra. All faced bans and legal action due to their roles in the scandal.

4. What was the punishment for Rajasthan Royals after the 2013 scandal?
The franchise was suspended from the IPL for two seasons (2016 and 2017), and the involved players and owner received bans from cricket-related activities.

5. How did the IPL and BCCI respond to the fixing scandals?
The BCCI set up stricter anti-corruption measures, created the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), and implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards fixing, including lifetime bans for those found guilty.

6. Have the Rajasthan Royals or Chennai Super Kings been involved in fixing scandals since their suspension?
Since their return, both franchises have focused on transparency and rebuilding trust. There have been no major fixing scandals involving these teams after their suspensions.

7. What steps are in place today to prevent fixing in the IPL?
The IPL has robust monitoring systems, strict player protocols, and close collaboration with law enforcement to detect and prevent any form of corruption or fixing in the league.

Citations:

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

Which Is the No. 2 Fixing Team in IPL? Full Story, Facts & Impact