Last Update: February 22, 2023, 09:15 IST
Ajit Chandila played 12 matches in IPL and took 11 wickets in them. (AFP photo)
Ajit Chandila took a hat-trick for Rajasthan Royals before he was banned for life by the BCCI for his alleged role in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.
After S Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan, former Rajasthan Royals cricketer Ajit Chandila’s life ban has also been lifted and reduced to seven years by BCCI ombudsman Vineet Saran. The trio of Sreesanth, Chavan and Chandila were banned for life by the BCCI for their alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.
Apart from the punishment meted out to the three cricketers, the BCCI also suspended the franchises Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings for two seasons after their officials were accused of indulging in betting activities.
Read also: Venkatesh Prasad likes Aakash Chopra’s video praising KL Rahul’s father-in-law Sunil Shetty
Chandila, an offspinner, became the first player to claim an IPL hat-trick for RR before his career was ruined by spot-fixing allegations. He played 12 matches and took 11 wickets in them.
The Indian Express reports that in his order, Saran wrote, “The present matter arises out of Case Crime No. 20/2013 dated 09.05.2013 registered with the Delhi Police against the applicant on allegations of spot-fixing in cricket matches of the Indian team.” was recorded in the Special Cell of the Premier League (“IPL”).
“Pending investigation, the BCCI suspended the applicant from all cricket activities on 17.05.2013. In addition to the criminal proceedings initiated against the applicant, disciplinary proceedings were also initiated against him by the BCCI. Accordingly, the representation of the applicant dated 04.11.2019 is accepted and his prayer for grant of parity with Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan is allowed. The ban for life imposed on him by the order dated 18.01.2016 of the Disciplinary Committee of BCCI stands reduced to a period of seven (7) years with effect from 18.01.2016.”
Sreesanth made a successful return to professional cricket, representing his state Kerala in India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament, the Ranji Trophy. The fast bowler also harbored dreams of an international comeback.
Read also: Venkatesh Prasad declines Aakash Chopra’s invite for live video chat
Chavan, on the other hand, also made a comeback to competitive cricket for the Karnataka Sporting Association in the T20 Talim Shield last year.
However, in 2019, the court acquitted the three players of all charges.
get the latest cricket news Here