Major Match Fixing Scandals That Shook World Cricket

Read about infamous match fixing scandals that rocked the sport. Know how players and matches were compromised and the consequences that followed.

London City
Cricket, known as the "gentleman’s game," has not been immune to controversies, with match fixing being one of the darkest stains on its legacy. Over the years, several major scandals have rocked world cricket, exposing the murky nexus between players, bookmakers, and corruption. 1. Hansie Cronje Scandal (2000) Perhaps the most shocking of all, South African captain Hansie Cronje was found guilty of taking money from bookies to manipulate matches. His fall from grace stunned the cricketing world, as he was seen as a role model. He later admitted to fixing, and was banned for life. 2. Mohammad Amir, Asif, and Salman Butt (2010) In a spot fixing scandal during a Test match against England at Lord’s, Pakistan trio Amir, Asif, and captain Butt were found guilty of deliberately bowling no balls in exchange for money from undercover journalists posing as bookmakers. All three received bans and jail sentences. 3. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013 The 2013 IPL was rocked by spot fixing allegations involving S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila from the Rajasthan Royals. Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan was also linked to betting, leading to the suspension of CSK and RR for two seasons. 4. Sanath Jayasuriya Breach (2018) Although not directly involved in fixing, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was charged by the ICC for failing to cooperate with anti corruption investigations. His case highlighted the growing scrutiny in international cricket. 5. Bangladesh Premier League & Other T20 Leagues Various domestic T20 leagues like the BPL and Pakistan’s T10 League have also faced fixing controversies, with lesser known players and team owners coming under the scanner. These scandals have led to stricter anti corruption laws and surveillance in cricket, reminding fans and players alike that integrity is the backbone of the sport.