The long-standing saga involving cricketer S Sreesanth and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has taken a fresh turn, as the franchise has now approached the Supreme Court of India after the rejection of an insurance claim linked to the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. The issue, which continues to echo more than a decade later, highlights the complicated financial and legal aftershocks of one of Indian cricket’s darkest episodes.
The Background
In 2013, Sreesanth, along with teammates Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, was accused of spot-fixing during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The controversy not only led to their arrests but also saw the Rajasthan Royals’ reputation and financial stability take a hit. Following the scandal, RR attempted to recover losses through an insurance claim, citing damages to their brand image, sponsorship deals, and revenue streams.
Insurance Claim Rejected
The insurance company, however, turned down the claim, arguing that the losses incurred were a result of illegal activities and contractual breaches, which fell outside the scope of the policy. The rejection left the franchise in a prolonged battle to seek financial compensation for what they described as “irreparable damage.”
Royals Move Supreme Court
Unwilling to accept the insurer’s stance, Rajasthan Royals have now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. Legal experts believe the case could set an important precedent in Indian sports law, especially regarding insurance coverage for sports teams in cases of scandals, corruption, or misconduct by players.
For the Royals, who were suspended from the IPL for two years following the scandal, the financial implications were significant. The team claims that the fixing controversy tarnished its marketability and disrupted its long-term plans.
Sreesanth’s Role and Aftermath
Though Sreesanth’s life ban was later lifted and he returned to domestic cricket, the controversy left an enduring scar on his career. For RR, however, the battle remains more about financial justice and accountability.
What Lies Ahead
The Supreme Court’s verdict will be closely watched, as it may redefine how franchises structure insurance policies and safeguard against reputational risks in professional sports. For now, Rajasthan Royals’ fight underscores how the 2013 scandal continues to shape the IPL, long after the dust seemed to have settled.