The Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha Committee has suspended the owners of IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from cricket for two years and banned team officials Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra for life on the grounds that the former were liable for the gambling sins of the latter.
Both Meiyappan and Kundra were found guilty of betting on IPL matches while being IPL team owners and thus violated the IPL’s rules and regulations while also bringing the game into disrepute.
Gurunath Meiyappan was held (CSK team official) guilty in the IPL spot fixing case and has been suspended for life.
Meiyappan is the son-in-law of N Srinivasan, the current chairman of International Cricket Council (ICC) and former president of the BCCI.
“Gurunath Meiyappan acted in violation of IPL laws. It is evident from the decision of SC that matter is serious. India Cements did not take any action against Meiyappan,” he added.
“The fact that Meiyappan was integral part of CSK, he ought not to have indulged in corrupt practices. Any person who has true passion for the game will never be involved in betting. Gurunath has not only indulged in betting but he has brought disrepute to cricket & the IPL. Being the face if franchise, Gurunath’s actions reflects on the owners India Cements,” said Justice Lodha.
Part owner of Rajasthan Royals – Raj Kundra – too has been found guilty of misconduct. The panel said Kundra’s actions have caused serious disrepute to BCCI and IPL and also the game of cricket. The SC panel declared him ineligible for participation in cricket for five years. Kundra too has been for suspended for life.
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been suspended for 2 years from participating in the 20-20 cricket tournament.
The players of the banned teams can join any other team.