The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful and popular teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have won the IPL five times and have always been strong title contenders. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK has a huge fan base in India and around the world.
But in 2015, CSK faced a big setback. The team was banned for two years and did not play in the IPL 2016 and 2017 seasons. Many fans still wonder why CSK was banned and what caused the suspension.
The Reason Behind CSK’s 2-Year Ban
The ban was due to a betting and match-fixing scandal that happened during the IPL 2013 season. Gurunath Meiyappan, who was a top official in CSK and the son-in-law of the then BCCI President N. Srinivasan, was found guilty of betting on matches.
He was arrested by Mumbai Police during the 2013 IPL final between CSK and Mumbai Indians. This incident caused major controversy and damaged CSK’s reputation.
The Investigation and Supreme Court Verdict
The Supreme Court of India got involved after the scandal. It first appointed the Mukul Mudgal Committee to investigate the matter. Later, the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee was set up.
In July 2015, the Lodha Committee gave its decision. It announced a two-year ban for CSK and Rajasthan Royals. Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra (from Rajasthan Royals) were also banned for life from all cricket matches held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Spot Fixing Involvement
Along with Meiyappan, three Rajasthan Royals players—S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila—were also arrested. They were accused of spot fixing. The police called it a case of fraud and cheating. Meiyappan, being closely involved with CSK, had access to team decisions and players. His involvement shocked the cricket world.
Dhoni’s Reaction and CSK’s Comeback
The CSK ban was one of the darkest moments in the team’s history. In the 2019 documentary “Roar of the Lion,” MS Dhoni opened up about this tough time. He said, “The biggest crime I can commit is not murder, it is match-fixing.”
After serving the two-year ban, CSK returned to IPL in 2018. Their comeback was powerful. They won the IPL 2018 title, proving their strength and spirit. In 2019, CSK reached the final again but lost to Mumbai Indians by just one run.
CSK’s Journey After the Ban
- 2020: CSK did not qualify for playoffs for the first time.
- 2021: CSK bounced back and won the title again.
- 2022: Dhoni stepped down, Jadeja took over briefly, but CSK missed playoffs.
- 2023: CSK won the IPL title again under Dhoni’s captaincy.
- 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad became captain, but the team failed to reach playoffs.
Conclusion
The two-year ban on CSK was a major event in IPL history. It came after serious allegations of betting and fixing involving team officials. While fans were heartbroken, CSK made a strong comeback. They have continued to show why they are one of the best IPL franchises. As the team prepares for the IPL 2025 season, fans hope to see CSK lift the trophy once again. The CSK ban may be in the past, but the lessons from that time remain important for the future of cricket.
Read More About
- What Are Some Popular and Unpopular Sports in India?
- Which Is the Costliest Foreign Player in the IPL 2025?
- How to Watch Live Cricket Matches Today – Stream Now
- Who is the Most Famous Sports Person in the World?
- Who is the Most Expensive Captain in the IPL 2025?
- What Are Some Interesting Facts About Rohit Sharma?
