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Top IPL Teams Linked to Fixing Controversies: A Look at Past Scandals and Facts

The Indian Premier League is one of the most popular cricket leagues globally, famous for star players, thrilling matches, and passionate fans. It’s a massive competition with huge stakes involved. Yet, alongside the excitement, the IPL has faced challenges related to match-fixing that have raised questions about its fairness.

Determining the No 1 fixing team in IPL history is complicated. Past controversies have mainly focused on three franchises: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals. Each has been linked to scandals that have affected their reputations.

What Is Match-Fixing in IPL?

Match-fixing means players or officials manipulate games dishonestly to benefit betting syndicates, such as bowling poorly intentionally or leaking insider information. Over the years, IPL has seen headline-grabbing scandals involving these teams, sometimes resulting in bans and arrests.

Teams with Fixing Allegations

  • Rajasthan Royals: Players S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila were arrested for spot-fixing.
  • Chennai Super Kings: Team official Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested for betting and passing insider details.
  • Mumbai Indians: While no direct charges were filed against players, alleged links and controversial umpiring decisions have sparked doubts.

Past Bans and Impact

CSK and RR both served two-year suspensions (2016 and 2017) following major scandals involving betting and fixing. These episodes left lasting impressions, with fans often associating them with fixing controversies. Since returning, they have worked to avoid further issues.

Details on Each Team

Chennai Super Kings

Known for their success with five IPL trophies, CSK became embroiled in controversy in 2013 when Gurunath Meiyappan, linked closely to team management, was arrested for betting and sharing insider info. Although no players were found guilty, the franchise faced a two-year ban.

Rajasthan Royals

RR was the first team caught in a major fixing scandal. In 2013, three players were arrested for spot-fixing, accused of deliberately bowling no-balls and conceding runs for money. Co-owner Raj Kundra was later banned for betting activities. The team also faced a two-year ban alongside CSK. During IPL 2025, accusations of tampering arose but were denied by the franchise.

Mumbai Indians

The most successful team with five titles, MI has avoided formal fixing charges but faced criticism over questionable umpiring decisions in key matches. Controversies include missed no-ball calls and disputed boundaries in matches from 2014 through 2025. Fans have debated whether these incidents suggest unfair advantages.

Players Involved in Match-Fixing

  • S. Sreesanth (Rajasthan Royals): Arrested for spot-fixing; banned for life by BCCI but later allowed to play again.
  • Ajit Chandila (Rajasthan Royals): Part of the same scandal; received a life ban which was later reduced.
  • Ankeet Chavan (Rajasthan Royals): Caught admitting to fixing; initially banned for life, then allowed a return.

Recent Umpiring Controversies

In the IPL 2025 season, several umpiring decisions during matches involving Mumbai Indians raised eyebrows. For example, a six by Delhi Capitals' Vipraj Nigam was downgraded to four, a no-ball against MI’s Mitchell Santner went unnoticed, and a stump out decision was questioned. These events sparked debate among fans but did not lead to formal investigations.

FAQs About IPL Fixing

  • Which is the No.1 fixing team in IPL? No official label exists, but CSK and RR are often mentioned due to their past bans.
  • Why was CSK banned? Because a team official was involved in betting and sharing inside information.

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