SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket has been rocked, following the decision of an appointed panel to suspend the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals on corruption charges relating to illegal betting and match fixing.
The cricket teams which form part of an eight team league have been suspended for a period of two years. The three man appointed panel further issued life time bans to Royals co-owner Raj Kundra and Gurunath Meiyappan Team Principal of the Super Kings.
IPL governance is currently judging the effect of the teams’ suspensions, which will likely see a re-draft of the leagues format and a loss in revenues. Indian news sources further report that sponsors are unhappy with the IPL provisions regarding sports integrity.
The Super Kings have reached four finals, winning in 2010 and 2011, whilst The Royals won the inaugural tournament in 2008. Star players for the teams include India Skipper MS Dhoni (Super) and Australia all-rounders Steve Smith and Shane Watson
Former Chief Justice Rajendra Lodha, who headed the panel commented on the suspensions
“Disrepute has been brought to cricket, the BCCI [Board Of Control For Cricket In India] and the IPL to such an extent that there are doubts abound in the public whether the game is clean or not,”.
Indian news sources have suggested that the suspensions may be contested by the IPL teams, however at present Lodha stated that he expected the decision to be final.
