For years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been plagued by match-fixing scandals that have tarnished its reputation. This has tainted what are otherwise exciting and entertaining matches, and served as a reminder that not all is well in sports.


Imagine you are a fan of a team accused of match fixing. The excitement and pride you feel when your team wins will be replaced by doubt and disillusionment. You will start to see the game in a different light, and question whether it was rigged or whether the outcome was predetermined. IPL

The scandal has been a harsh reality check for teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. They have been suspended, banned and tarnished. Players, coaches and owners have also had to bear the shame and embarrassment of being implicated in corruption.


But it is not just the teams that suffer. The fans of each team suffer too. Fans have invested emotion, time and money into these scandal-ridden teams.

IPL is making efforts, and the anti-corruption unit of the Board of Control for Cricket in India is making every effort, but it is not enough. More needs to be done.

As fans, we deserve better. We have a right to a fair, transparent and corruption-free match. We have a right to know that the outcome of the game is determined by the skill of the players and not by shady deals.

However, the IPL can recover from this. This will require effort and commitment from the authorities and a willingness to take difficult decisions. Fairness, transparency and honesty must come first. Only then can we as fans truly enjoy the game we love.