BSS, New Delhi :
A panel appointed by India’s Supreme Court has suspended two top Indian Premier League (IPL) teams — Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) — for two years in connection with the betting scandal of 2013.
The three-member committee, headed by former chief justice of India RM Lodha, also slapped a life ban on Gurunath Meiyappan, team principal of CSK, and Raj Kundra, former co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, for five years from association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and for life from all cricket matches.
CSK has been accused of misleading the probe along with Meiyappan, who was indicted for allegedly betting on his own team during the sixth edition of the IPL. Kundra was also alleged to have bet on IPL matches and has sold his stake in the IPL franchise. The scam itself came to the four after three
Royals cricketers were arrested in May 2013.
Meiyappan has also been declared ineligible for participation in any cricket activities for five years. Justice Lodha said the fact that Meiyappan was integral part of Chennai Super Kings, he ought not to have indulged in corrupt practices. He said Meiyappan’s betting activities brought the game to disrepute and bad name to BCCI and IPL.
Similar sanctions have also been imposed on Raj Kundra, the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals for betting. Raj Kundra has been found guilty of misconduct. Justice Lodha said Rajasthan Royals have damaged faith of BCCI and the sport. Rajasthan Royals team has also been suspended for two years from IPL. The suspension will be effective from today.
The Supreme Court panel also proposed two-year suspension for India Cements, the franchise owner of Chennai Super Kings from IPL.
The apex court on January 22 this year held that the allegation of betting against Meiyappan and Kundra stands proved. It also formed the three-member committee of its retired judges, including Justices Ashok Bhan and R V Raveendran to determine the punishment for Meiyappan and Kundra.
