Why was Chennai Super Kings (CSK) banned from IPL ?

Chennai Super Kings fans were in for a big disappointment when the team was banned for two seasons (2016 & 2017). Chennai Super Kings has a large fan following in India and across the world. Chennai Super Kings and former India skipper MS Dhoni is arguably the most followed player with millions of fans just gluing to their TV sets and filling the stadiums just to see him play.

When it was announced that CSK would be banned for two seasons from the IPL, it was a big surprise for the entire cricketing world as well as the CSK fans. MS Dhoni’s image as a player as well as an individual is like that of a big star and due to his presence, there isn’t any guessing why Chennai Super Kings is the most loved team across all age groups. So when CSK was banned, every individual went into shock and asked why this happened to their team ?

CSK has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament alongside Mumbai Indians as both teams have enjoyed competing against each other. Even in their regular discussions, some fans would be curious about why CSK was banned for two seasons. It would have been disappointing to not see their favorite stars in action. We have explained below in detail why CSK was banned for two years from IPL.

Why was CSK banned for two years from IPL ?

There were talks during the 2013 IPL season about spot-fixing activities. On the day of the final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested due to spot-fixing allegations. Raj Kundra, owner of Rajasthan Royals was also arrested on the same charges as Rajasthan Royals was also banned for two years due to the same allegations.

Supreme Court of India had formed a three-member committee that was headed by former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha in 2015. The committee took a decision to ban both teams (Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals ) for two seasons (2016 & 2017). Owners of the two franchises Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra were banned for life from all matches conducted by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

Chennai Super Kings’ dominating return to the league after the ban

Chennai Super Kings dugout including the support staff was in for a rude shock when it was announced that the team would be banned for two seasons. The team made a comeback in 2018 as it was nothing less than an emotional phase for players, fans, and of course skipper MS Dhoni. The team produced a brilliant performance that season after returning from a two-year ban. Fans were in for a treat to see their favorite team in action and their favorite skipper MS Dhoni as the team won the trophy that season. MS Dhoni’s and his players showcased tremendous mental toughness.

During the 2019 season also, Dhoni again looked at his best as a skipper. The team also performed decently in the entire season but lost the final against Mumbai Indians by just one run. Mumbai Indians scored 149/8 while CSK finished at 148/7 in 20 overs. Skipper Dhoni scored 416 runs in the entire tournament while Suresh Raina became the first batsman to register 5000 runs in IPL. Former South African leg spinner Imran Tahir did well for Chennai Super Kings claiming 26 wickets in that season.

Dhoni gave a precious gift to his fans by winning the 2023 IPL season in what was his final IPL tournament. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 672 and 590 runs respectively in the entire tournament as both players performed when needed. Tushar Deshpande claimed 21 wickets for Chennai Super Kings and bowled a tight line throughout the season.

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