The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undoubtedly the biggest T20 cricket tournament in the world. However, over the past few IPL seasons, there have been recurring allegations of match fixing, spot fixing and the tournament being “scripted”.
As we head into the latest edition – IPL 2024, the question on everyone’s mind is – can we expect a clean tournament this year or is IPL 2024 also going to be scripted?
Let’s analyze these fixing allegations and see if there is any truth to the IPL being orchestrated by external forces.
Looking Back at Previous Match Fixing Allegations
To ascertain if IPL 2024 could be pre-determined, we must evaluate whether earlier IPL seasons were rigged and scripted.
The tournament has seen a few major controversies and probes into corruption over the past decade:
IPL 2013 Spot Fixing
In 2013, Delhi police arrested 3 Rajasthan Royals players including Sreesanth on charges of spot fixing. Specific no balls were allegedly bowled to give bookies an edge.
IPL 2016 Betting Allegations
Few years later in 2016, the Supreme Court appointed Lodha Panel to probe charges of betting and match fixing. Though no teams or players were charged, 2 franchise officials were axed for betting activities.
Limited Recent Controversies
Since 2016, there have been no major match fixing incidents in the IPL barring a few loose allegations. broad pattern over the past 5 years suggests IPL has largely been clean.
Robust Anti-Corruption Framework in IPL
The reason recent IPL seasons have been relatively controversy-free is due to stringent processes employed by BCCI to tackle corruption:
Players & Support Staff Briefings
There are regular briefing sessions by BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to educate all players and support staff. This helps prevent ignorance around code of conduct.
Regular Squad Vetting
Thorough background verification checks are conducted on players and support staff before IPL contracts are awarded to them. This minimizes rogue elements.
Bubble Integrity Officers
Independent senior ex-police officers are appointed by BCCI for each team during tournament. They monitor bubble activity to detect illegal approaches to players/staff.
In-Match ACU Officials
4-5 ACU officers are always present around teams during matches. They monitor all on-field and practice session activity. This allows real-time intervention in case of suspicion.
No Use of Phones/Laptops in Dugout
Players are barred from using personal phones, laptops etc during match. This prevents contact with bookies around match situations and sharing of team strategy.
Factors that Minimize Chances of IPL 2024 Being Scripted
Considering the robust processes now adopted by IPL Governing Council to prevent corruption, there is minimal likelihood of matches being fixed in IPL 2024 or the tournament being scripted:
No Recent Fixing Patterns
With nearly no spot/match fixing cases in IPL over last 5 years, it signals the effective clampdown by ACU against potential fixers and betting syndicates. Difficult to influence outcomes.
Players Have Too Much to Lose
Modern cricketers and support staff have attractive IPL salaries and brand endorsements worth crores. They stand to lose their lifelong earnings if caught in scandals. Hence players are unwilling to be bought by fixers.
Technology Assisted Umpiring
On-field umpires today are supported by tech innovations like UltraEdge, Ball Tracking and Snicko to reduce questionable decisions around dismissals/noballs. So blatantly fixing events is tough.
Betting Markets Have Matured
Earlier, spot fixing in obscurer tournaments was prevalent when betting markets were evolving. Today’s betting platforms are so advanced, theysuspicion any outrageous event deviations. So chances of scripting high impact events is near impossible.
Possible Fixing Risks That Could Remain in IPL 2024
While large scale match fixing or scripting of the tournament seems unlikely, here are couple risks that BCCI needs to stay vigilant around:
Inside Information Leaks
There may exist few immoral team/match officials tempted to share sensitive strategic information with bookies for financial gains. Pitch conditions, playing XI leaks – could still occur.
On Field Tactical Gambles
An odd situation like allowing an opposing lower order batsman to score quick cameo runs before declaration; or experimenting with part-time bowlers could arise where insider info facilitates betting outcomes.
Weaker Domestic Players
Disgruntled tier 2/Associate/First Class players with nascent careers may occasionally say yes to small spot/session fixing propositions by syndicates out of frustration. BCCI should increase sensitization for these younger crop.
So to summarize, while IPL 2024 is highly unlikely to be scripted or pre-determined, certain risks around information leaks and tactical gambles can never be fully eliminated. But there are sufficient checks and balances to prevent systematic match manipulation in IPL.
Hope you enjoyed this thorough analysis on whether matches are fixed in the Indian Premier League! Let me know if you need any more details or data points covered.