IPL Verdict: CSK, Rajasthan Royals banned for 2 years; Meiyappan, Kundra banned for life

The Supreme Court appointed high-level committee led by former Chief Justice RM Lodha on Tuesday found Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan guilty of betting during Indian Premier League season 6.

Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Lodha said Meiyappan was found guilty of betting, whereas co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, Raj Kundra, was found guilty of misconduct.

Both the teams, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have been banned from the IPL for two years.

While addressing mediapersons in New Delhi, Justice Lodha said that Meiyappan was an integral part of CSK and should not have indulged in corrupt practices.

“He is found guilty of betting, his conduct affected the image of the BCCI, the league and the game,” said Justice Lodha.

Meiyappan, son-in-law of former BCCI President N Srinivasan, has been banned for life from involvement in any type of cricket matches.

Justice Lodha said that Kundra acted against contrary of the spirit of the game.

“Mr Raj Kundra was placing bets through a known punter, was constantly in touch with bookies. Kundra didn't have true love for the game. He acted contrary to the spirit of the game. Kundra is declared ineligible in cricket participation for five years and suspended for life in any type of cricket matches,” said Justice Lodha.

The committee also pulled up India Cements, owners of CSK, for not acting against Meiyappan.

“The purity of the game has been affected by the actions of India Cements and CSK. Fans have been cheated. CSK or India Cements took no action against Meiyappan,” said the former CJI.

The Supreme Court in January this year had held that betting allegations against Meiyappan and Kundra were proved. However, the apex court had dropped all charges against Srinivasan, as none of the allegations were proven against him.

Meanwhile, the verdict was hailed by Jharkhand Cricket Association’s Subodhkant Sahay who termed it as a good and unprejudiced judgement.

Bihar Cricket Association’s secretary Aditya Verma, who is the petitioner in the case, said justice had triumphed in the case.

(Image: Indiatimes)