Life Ban on IPL Spot-fixing Accused Ajit Chandila Reduced to Seven Years

Following in the footsteps of S Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan, former Rajasthan Royals cricketer Ajit Chandila’s life ban has been reduced to seven years by BCCI ombudsman Vineet Saran. The BCCI issued life bans on Sreesanth, Chavan, and Chandila for their alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scam.

Aside from the three cricketers, the BCCI suspended the franchises Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings for two seasons after their officials were accused of engaging in betting operations.

Prior to being dogged by charges of spot-fixing, Chandila, an offspinner, became the first RR player to claim an IPL hat-trick. He appeared in 12 games and grabbed 11 wickets.

According to the Indian Express, Saran said in his ruling, “The current matter comes out of Case Crime No 20/2013 dated 09.05.2013 initiated with the Special Cell of Delhi Police against the Applicant on charges of spot fixing in cricket matches of the Indian Premier League (“IPL”).

“Pending inquiry, BCCI suspended the Applicant from all cricketing activities on 17.05.2013. Apart from the criminal proceedings initiated against the Applicant, Disciplinary proceedings were also initiated against him by BCCI. Accordingly, the Applicant’s Representation dated 04.11.2019 is accepted and his prayer for granting him parity with Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan is allowed. The life ban imposed on him by Order of BCCI Disciplinary Committee dated 18.01.2016 is reduced to a period of seven (7) years from 18.01.2016,” he added.

Sreesanth made a successful return to professional cricket in the Ranji Trophy, India’s best domestic red-ball game, representing his home state of Kerala. The pacer also hoped to make an international comeback.

Chavan, on the other hand, returned to competitive cricket last year with Karnatak Sports Association in the T20 Talim Shield.

However, the court cleared the three players of all allegations in 2019.

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