Which IPL team has the darkest fixing history? From the 2013 spot-fixing arrests to IPL 2025 corruption warnings, here is every scandal, every ban, and every unanswered question — laid out with facts, not rumours.
Every IPL season, one question resurfaces louder than the commentary: who is the No 1 fixing team in IPL? Fans debate it on X (Twitter), Reddit threads get hundreds of upvotes, and betting forums buzz with suspicion. The truth, as always, is more complicated than a single headline.
In this article, we break down every major match fixing scandal in IPL history, the teams and players involved, the punishments handed out, and what the situation looks like heading into IPL 2026. If you want facts rather than speculation, keep reading.
No IPL team has ever been officially declared the “No 1 fixing team in IPL” by the BCCI or any court. However, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are the two teams most prominently linked to fixing controversies — both were suspended from the IPL for two years (2016 and 2017).
What Is Match Fixing in Cricket?
Before we name teams, it helps to understand what “fixing” actually means. In cricket, match fixing is when players, officials, or team owners deliberately influence the result of a match — or a specific moment within it — in exchange for money, usually from bookmakers or betting syndicates.
There are two main types of corruption that have occurred in the IPL:
| Type | What It Means | IPL Example |
|---|---|---|
| Match Fixing | Manipulating the final result of an entire match | No conclusive IPL case proven in court |
| Spot Fixing | Fixing a specific moment — e.g., bowling a deliberate no-ball or conceding a set number of runs in an over | 2013 RR scandal (Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan) |
| Insider Betting | Passing team information to bookmakers, then betting on outcomes | CSK team principal Gurunath Meiyappan (2013) |
Spot-fixing is particularly attractive to corrupt bookmakers because it is harder to detect — a single no-ball or a few extra runs in one over won’t obviously change the match result, but it allows enormous profits from targeted micro-event bets.
If you enjoy IPL betting tips or follow IPL betting odds, understanding how match integrity is monitored should be part of your knowledge base.
Which IPL Teams Have Been Linked to Fixing?
Over the course of IPL’s history from 2008 to the present day, multiple teams have faced allegations of varying severity. Here is a clear, factual overview of every team that has been formally or informally connected to fixing controversies:
| Team | Year(s) | Nature of Allegation | Outcome | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | 2013 | Three players arrested for spot-fixing | Banned 2 years; player bans issued (some later reversed) | Suspended (2016–17) |
| Chennai Super Kings | 2013–14 | Team principal arrested for betting & insider info | Banned 2 years; Meiyappan received life ban | Suspended (2016–17) |
| Mumbai Indians | 2013, 2025 | Fan allegations on social media; no formal charges | No investigation, no ban | No Action Taken |
| Kings XI Punjab (PBKS) | 2015 | Minor betting-related rumours | No formal charges filed | No Action Taken |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2025 | RCA accused RR of tampering after LSG loss | Franchise denied all charges; no evidence found | Allegations Dismissed |
The presence of a team in this table does not mean the entire franchise was guilty. In most cases, individuals — not the whole team — were implicated. Being linked to a controversy and being officially convicted are very different things.
Rajasthan Royals – The Spot-Fixing Scandal of 2013
When people debate the most cheating team in IPL history, Rajasthan Royals is usually the first name that comes up — and for good reason. The 2013 scandal was the most dramatic and well-documented case of player-level corruption in IPL history.
What Happened?
On 16 May 2013, the Delhi Police arrested three Rajasthan Royals players — S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan — on charges of spot-fixing during the IPL 2013 season. All three were accused of deliberately bowling a pre-agreed number of runs in specific overs, in exchange for money from bookmakers.
The arrests were the result of an extensive investigation by the Delhi Police Special Cell, which had been monitoring phone conversations between players and bookmakers using phone-tapping equipment. Police alleged that Chavan had confessed to his involvement, and that Chandila had actively approached other players to join the fixing network.
Key Facts of the RR Spot-Fixing Case
S. Sreesanth
India pacer arrested at a friend’s home in Mumbai. Initially given a life ban by BCCI. The Supreme Court set aside the life ban in 2019, directing BCCI to reassess. Later cleared by the Patiala House Courts of criminal charges.
Ajit Chandila
Accused of recruiting other players into the fixing scheme under the direction of bookies. BCCI gave him a life ban in January 2016. The ban was later reduced upon appeal but he was still found in breach of the anti-corruption code.
Ankeet Chavan
Chavan was alleged to have confessed to involvement. His ban was maintained but reduced in duration following appeals. He was cleared of criminal charges by the Patiala House Courts, like the other two players.
Beyond the three players, co-owner Raj Kundra was questioned by the Delhi Police and alleged to have confessed to placing bets on his own team through a bookie. He was subsequently suspended from the IPL by the BCCI on 10 June 2013.
The Fallout for Rajasthan Royals
In July 2015, the Lodha Committee — appointed by the Supreme Court of India — recommended a two-year suspension for both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. As a result, both teams were replaced by stand-in franchises: Rising Pune Supergiant took CSK’s spot, while Gujarat Lions replaced RR for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL in 2018 and have since worked to rebuild their reputation. In IPL 2025, fresh allegations were made by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) following a narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants — but the franchise denied all claims as baseless, and no investigation was launched.
For our detailed breakdown of current team form and performance, see our IPL team analysis section.
Chennai Super Kings – The Betting Scandal
Chennai Super Kings — five-time IPL champions and arguably the most loved franchise in the tournament’s history — carry an uncomfortable shadow: the arrest of their team principal in 2013 is the primary reason they are frequently named the No 1 fixer team in IPL in popular debate.
What Happened?
On 24 May 2013, Mumbai Police arrested Gurunath Meiyappan, described publicly as the CSK team principal, on charges of betting, conspiracy, and cheating. He was accused of placing bets on IPL matches using a bookie’s network and of passing insider team information to bookmakers.
Meiyappan was the son-in-law of N. Srinivasan, then BCCI president and managing director of India Cements, which owned the CSK franchise. This connection created a massive conflict-of-interest crisis at the very top of Indian cricket governance.
Key Differences From the RR Case
| Factor | Rajasthan Royals (2013) | Chennai Super Kings (2013–14) |
|---|---|---|
| Who was involved | Playing cricketers (3 players) | Team management official |
| Nature of offence | Spot-fixing during live matches | Illegal betting and leaking team info |
| Players directly implicated | Yes — Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan | No — players were not charged |
| Team ban | 2 years (2016–17) | 2 years (2016–17) |
| Court verdict | Players cleared by criminal court; BCCI bans remained (partially) | Meiyappan given life ban by Lodha Committee |
MS Dhoni, who captained CSK throughout this period, revealed in 2019 that the suspension of CSK was the most depressing period of his career, adding that match-fixing at the team level can only occur if a significant number of players collectively agree to it — implying he never saw that happen at CSK.
CSK returned to the IPL in 2018, won the title that very season, and have since won two more championships. Their reputation with fans has largely recovered, though the label of most cheating team in IPL history continues to surface in online discussions.
Mumbai Indians – Allegations Without Evidence
Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, have occasionally been pulled into match-fixing conversations, though it is important to be clear: no MI player or official has ever been formally charged with or convicted of match-fixing or spot-fixing in the IPL.
In May 2025, following a match between MI and Delhi Capitals, fans on X raised questions about specific umpiring decisions — including a Vipraj Nigam six being called a four, and a Mitchell Santner no-ball going uncalled. These were fan complaints, not formal allegations, and nothing was proven or even investigated officially.
Controversial umpiring decisions happen in every cricket league worldwide. Without verified evidence, linking umpiring errors to deliberate fixing is speculation. The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit investigates every credible allegation — and no formal case against MI has ever been filed.
Complete IPL Fixing Timeline: 2008 to 2026
-
2008IPL Launches — Early Whispers The IPL begins its first season. Minor rumours about bookmaker involvement surface but no formal arrests or investigations are launched. The league’s rapid growth brings enormous new betting attention from syndicates across India and abroad.
-
2012Five Domestic Players Arrested Five domestic cricket players are arrested for allegedly leaking insider information to bookies. The case does not directly involve any IPL franchise but signals the growing corruption threat surrounding Indian cricket at every level.
-
2013The Year That Changed Everything May 16: Delhi Police arrests Sreesanth, Chandila, and Chavan (Rajasthan Royals) for spot-fixing. May 24: Mumbai Police arrests Gurunath Meiyappan (CSK team principal) for betting and leaking team information. June 5: Raj Kundra (RR co-owner) questioned and later suspended by BCCI. A single 2013 IPL match reportedly attracted bets worth ₹70 crore, illustrating the scale of the betting network. Fifty-five people were arrested across three states in relation to the spot-fixing fraud.
-
2014–15Supreme Court & Lodha Committee Investigations The Supreme Court orders N. Srinivasan to step aside as BCCI president pending investigation into his son-in-law’s arrest. The Lodha Committee is appointed to oversee an independent inquiry into the IPL scandal.
-
2015CSK and RR Suspended In July, the Lodha Committee recommends two-year bans for both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Gurunath Meiyappan receives a life ban from all cricket-related activities. BCCI issues life bans to Sreesanth, Chandila, and Chavan.
-
2016–17CSK and RR Sit Out Rising Pune Supergiant replaces CSK; Gujarat Lions replaces RR. Both placeholder franchises are eventually dissolved when the suspended teams return to the tournament.
-
2018–19Bans Overturned, Teams Return CSK and RR return for IPL 2018. CSK wins the championship in their comeback season. In March 2019, the Supreme Court sets aside Sreesanth’s life ban and asks BCCI to reconsider. Patiala House Courts clear all three players of criminal charges.
-
2024BCCI ACU Arrests Bookies at RR Venues BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit arrests match bookies at two venues during IPL 2024 matches — both involving Rajasthan Royals games. No players or franchise officials were implicated. The ACU stated it was acting on intelligence about bookmaker activity near match venues.
-
2025IPL 2025 — Multiple Alerts BCCI warns all IPL teams, coaching staff, and even commentators about a Hyderabad-based businessman suspected of approaching players with corrupt intent. BCCI also hands a lifetime ban to Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah, former co-owner of the SoBo Supersonics (Mumbai T20 League), for attempting to fix a 2019 match. RCA accuses RR of tampering after an LSG defeat — RR denies all allegations and no investigation is launched.
-
2026IPL 2026 Underway — ACU Active IPL 2026 is currently in progress. BCCI’s ACU continues real-time surveillance at all match venues. No team has been formally implicated in the ongoing season.
So, Who Actually Is the No 1 Fixing Team in IPL?
This is the question millions search for every year. Here is the clearest, most honest answer we can give:
There is no officially designated “No 1 fixing team in IPL.” No court, no BCCI investigation, and no IPL governing body has ever formally labelled any franchise as a fixing team. What exists are specific incidents involving specific individuals — not entire teams. That said, based purely on documented consequences and the severity of official action taken, Rajasthan Royals carries the heaviest burden of proven player-level corruption, while Chennai Super Kings carries the most serious management-level scandal.
Here is how the two most debated teams compare if we apply the “fixer team” label based purely on evidence and official punishment:
| Criteria | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Playing cricketers directly arrested | ✅ Yes (3 players) | ❌ No |
| Management/owner arrested | ✅ Yes (Raj Kundra) | ✅ Yes (Gurunath Meiyappan) |
| Convicted in criminal court | ❌ No (all cleared) | ❌ No |
| BCCI/Lodha ban imposed | ✅ 2 years | ✅ 2 years |
| Nature of offence | Spot-fixing (player-level) | Insider betting (management-level) |
| Subsequent clean record | Mostly — minor 2025 allegation dismissed | Yes — no further scandals post-2018 |
For bettors, understanding which teams have historically faced integrity questions can be a useful contextual factor — though it should never replace analysis of current form, squad strength, and pitch conditions. Check our IPL match predictions for current data-driven insights.
How BCCI Is Fighting Match Fixing in 2025–2026
The good news is that the IPL’s anti-corruption infrastructure has grown significantly since 2013. Here is what the BCCI and IPL governing body are doing today to protect the integrity of the tournament:
Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU)
The BCCI’s ACU operates year-round, monitoring player communications, stadium access, and betting market movements in real time. During IPL 2025, the ACU proactively issued a circular to all teams warning about a Hyderabad-based businessman suspected of approaching IPL stakeholders with corrupt intent — demonstrating that the unit is now intelligence-led rather than merely reactive.
Strict Penalty Framework
Under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code, offences can attract penalties ranging from five years to a lifetime ban from all cricket-related activities. In April 2025, the BCCI confirmed a lifetime ban on Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah for attempting to fix a Mumbai T20 League semi-final — a clear message that corruption at any level will result in permanent exclusion from the sport.
Player Education Programmes
Every IPL player is now required to participate in mandatory anti-corruption education sessions before each season. These sessions cover how to identify corrupt approaches, what to do if approached, and the legal consequences of non-reporting under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code.
Venue Security & Dressing Room Access
IPL venues now have strict protocols limiting who can access dressing rooms and player areas. Real-time video monitoring is used at match venues, and all players are required to report any suspicious contacts or approaches immediately to the ACU. Unauthorised personnel found in restricted zones face immediate removal and investigation.
Collaboration With Law Enforcement
The ACU works directly with state police, the CBI, and in some cases Interpol-linked agencies to track betting syndicates. The 2024 arrests of match bookies at Rajasthan Royals venues — before any fixing could occur — is a direct result of this intelligence-sharing framework that has developed since 2013.
If you want to bet responsibly and legally on the IPL, it is worth reading our guide on legal IPL betting in India and understanding how regulated markets differ from black-market bookmakers who are more susceptible to corruption.
FAQs: IPL Fixing Team Questions Answered
Who is the No 1 fixing team in IPL?
No single team has ever been officially declared the No 1 fixing team in IPL by BCCI, the Supreme Court, or the IPL governing body. Based on documented scandals and official bans, Rajasthan Royals (for player-level spot-fixing in 2013) and Chennai Super Kings (for management-level betting in 2013) are the two teams most associated with fixing controversies. Both were suspended for two years (2016 and 2017).
Which is the most cheating team in IPL history?
The term “cheating” covers a wide range — including on-field behaviour, umpire complaints, and off-field corruption. In terms of off-field fixing scandals, Rajasthan Royals had the most direct player involvement (three cricketers arrested). In terms of management-level corruption, CSK had the most prominent case (team principal arrested). Neither team has ever been officially labelled a “cheating team” by any authority.
Was Sreesanth really guilty of spot-fixing?
S. Sreesanth was arrested in 2013 on charges of spot-fixing. The BCCI gave him a life ban. However, the Patiala House Court cleared him of all criminal charges, and in 2019, the Supreme Court of India set aside his life ban, directing the BCCI to determine an appropriate lesser sanction. His guilt was never conclusively established in a court of law.
Why were CSK and RR banned from the IPL?
Both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the IPL for the 2016 and 2017 seasons following the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, which was appointed by the Supreme Court of India to investigate the 2013 match-fixing and betting scandal. CSK was penalised because its team principal was convicted of betting and insider information sharing. RR was penalised because of the spot-fixing by its players and the alleged involvement of co-owner Raj Kundra in illegal betting.
Is IPL match fixing still happening in 2025–2026?
The BCCI’s ACU remains active and vigilant. In IPL 2025, the BCCI issued warnings about a suspicious individual attempting to approach players and coaches. Bookmaker arrests at venues continue. However, no IPL franchise player has been formally charged with fixing in the current era. The league’s anti-corruption infrastructure is significantly stronger than it was in 2013.
Has Mumbai Indians been involved in any fixing scandal?
No. Mumbai Indians have never been formally investigated or charged with any match-fixing or spot-fixing case. Fan allegations on social media about umpiring decisions are not the same as formal corruption cases. The BCCI’s ACU has not taken any action against MI players or officials for fixing.
What is the punishment for match fixing in IPL?
Under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code, punishment ranges from a five-year ban to a lifetime ban from all cricket-related activities. Players, officials, owners, and even support staff can be penalised. Criminal proceedings under Indian law (IPC) can run concurrently with BCCI action. The BCCI has handed multiple lifetime bans to individuals found guilty under its anti-corruption code.
Which team is known as the fixer team in IPL?
No team has been officially designated as a “fixer team in IPL” by any governing body. The label is used informally on social media and fan forums, most commonly directed at Rajasthan Royals due to the 2013 player arrests and at Chennai Super Kings due to the team principal’s betting charges. Both teams have since returned to the IPL and continued competing, with no further official sanctions.
Conclusion: The Full Picture on IPL Fixing Teams
The debate over the No 1 fixing team in IPL is unlikely to ever be resolved with a single, definitive answer — because no such official ranking exists. What we do know with certainty is this:
The 2013 scandal was the IPL’s darkest hour. It directly resulted in bans for two of the most successful franchises — Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings — and fundamentally changed how the BCCI governs player conduct and match integrity. Three cricketers were arrested. Two team-associated individuals received life bans from cricket-related activities. And the Supreme Court of India had to intervene directly to bring the BCCI president to account.
Since then, both franchises have returned, rebuilt, and continued to win championships. The IPL’s anti-corruption machinery has grown considerably stronger. No current-era franchise has been formally sanctioned for fixing. That is a positive story — even if whispers and suspicions will continue to exist wherever large amounts of money and high-stakes cricket coexist.
If you are interested in IPL betting, always use legitimate, licensed platforms. Understanding the history of corruption in the league is part of being an informed bettor. For more resources, explore our IPL betting guide, IPL team analysis, and the latest IPL match predictions for IPL 2026.