New Delhi: A Supreme Court-appointed committee, headed by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha on Tuesday banned both Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra for betting in IPL.
 
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team official Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Kundra were found guilty of betting in the 2013 edition of the Twenty20 cricket tournament.

The committee suspended former champions Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from IPL for two years.
 
“Rajasthan Royals team and Chennai Super Kings were also suspended for two years from IPL. Suspension to take effect from today,” Justice Lodha said.
 
It is unclear whether the auction pool will be reopened for players from CSK and RR teams.
 
The apex court had on January 22 held that the allegation of betting against Meiyappan and Kundra stands proved and set up the three-member committee of its retired judges, including Justices Ashok Bhan and R V Raveendran to determine the punishment for Meiyappan, who was the CSK team Principal and Kundra, co-owner of RR.
 
The apex court held that the allegation of betting against Meiyappan, son in law of former BCCI President N Srinivasan, and Kundra stands proved while the charge of cover-up against Srinivasan was “not proved”.
 
Under IPL rules, the franchise of a team can be cancelled if a team official indulges in any act that brings the game to disrepute.

According to the reports, reading the order Justice Lodha said, Rajasthan Royals is suspended for a period of 2 years from IPL, CSK suspended from IPL for 2 years, Raj Kundra placed bets through a known punter, and has been found guilty of misconduct, Meiyappan declared ineligible for participation in any cricket activities for 5 years, Similar sanctions have also been imposed on Raj Kundra, co owner of Rajasthan Royals for betting, he informed.

He also said that Gurunath Meiyappan suspended for life from being involved in activities related to any type of cricket matches, Meiyappan suffered Rs 60 lakh loss in bets, Meiyappan was involved in betting, it was his bad luck that he made no profits, he said

Gurunath Meiyappan violated basic rules of the BCCI, the fact that Meiyappan was integral part of CSK,he ought not to have indulged in corrupt practices, he added.