IPL spot-fixing: Will heat on Meiyappan also burn CSK's future?

Gurunath Meiyeppan has his back to the wall after Mumbai Police named him in its chargesheet for illegal betting and cheating during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013. NDTV has learnt that several Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) members may now also push for termination of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise during the Board's annual general meeting (AGM) on September 29.

According to clause 11.3 of the IPL franchise agreement, if any official, team owner or anyone associated with the team tarnishes the image of the league, the franchise can be terminated immediately.

Meiyappan was designated as the Team Principal of CSK before being demoted when news of him being involved in illegal betting came to limelight. While defending him, father-in-law and president-in-exile of BCCI N Srinivasan however said that he himself has not seen the chargesheet and will ask the Board secretary to seek legal advice on the mater, if required. He also refused to comment on clause 11.3.

Srinivasan however could be forced to comment in the days to come as according to Mumbai Police, call records to prove Meiyappan's guilt have been procured. For example, he allegedly told Vindoo on the 12th of May this year that Chennai would score between 130 and 140 vs Rajasthan and lose the match. Chennai scored 141 and lost the match by 5 wickets. Further investigations also question the clean chit given to Meiyappan by an internal probe panel set up by BCCI due to lack of evidence.

While the future of Meiyappan may seem bleak, there is also an increasing question on the franchise with which he was associated.