A Supreme Court-appointed panel suspended former champions Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the Indian Premier League for two years on Tuesday as it presented its verdict on the spot-fixing and betting scandal that hit the T20 tournament in 2013.
ICC chief N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra were suspended from any type of cricketing activity for life after they were found guilty of betting in the tournament. Srinivasan was earlier restricted by the court from running for another term as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India owing to a conflict of interest. His company India Cements held a stake in the Chennai franchise.
"He (Meiyappan) is found guilty of betting, his conduct affected image of BCCI, the (T20) league and the game," justice RM Lodha, who is heading the probe panel, said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"Raj Kundra was placing bets through a known punter and was constantly in touch with bookies," Lodha added. "Rajasthan Royals have damaged the faith of BCCI and the sport, Mr Raj Kundra is found guilty of misconduct," he said.
Lodha was appointed head of the sentencing panel in January after the Supreme Court had found Royals' co-owner Kundra and CSK's Meiyappan guilty of betting on the outcome of matches in 2013.
"Jaipur IPL team can't shrink responsibility by saying Mr Kundra acted in personal capacity," justice Lodha said.
The committee also proposed to impose sanctions on India Cement's franchise by suspending it from the league for two years. "No action was taken by India Cements against Mr Meiyappan," he said.
On IPL COO Sundar Raman’s involvement in the case, Lodha said: “It requires further investigation.” When asked about criminal action regarding those involved in betting and fixing, Lodha said the law will take its own course.
The apex court had held that the allegation of betting against Meiyappan and Kundra stood proved and set up the three-member committee of its retired judges to determine the punishment for Meiyappan, who was the CSK team Principal and Kundra.
The 2013 IPL season was mired in controversy after police launched legal proceedings against several officials and cricketers, including former Test fast bowler S Sreesanth, for illegal betting and spot-fixing.
The hugely popular Chennai Super Kings are the most successful team in the IPL, having won the tournament in 2010 and 2011, and finished runners-up in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2015.
Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural event in 2008 under the captaincy of Australian spin legend Shane Warne, but have failed to make the final since then.
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