A Season of Contradictions
The 2013 Indian Premier League was a story of two tales. On the field, it delivered record-breaking performances and saw the Mumbai Indians claim their first-ever title. Off the field, it was marred by a spot-fixing scandal that shook the sport's foundation and led to landmark reforms. This interactive report explores the season's dual legacy of triumph and turmoil.
The Final: Mumbai's Maiden Triumph
Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs
Mumbai Indians Innings: 148/9
After a disastrous start left them at 16/3, a heroic counter-attack from Kieron Pollard rescued the innings and posted a competitive total.
Kieron Pollard
Top Scorer
60* (32)
Dwayne Bravo
Best Bowler (CSK)
4/42
Chennai Super Kings Innings: 125/9
CSK's chase was derailed in the first over by Lasith Malinga. Despite a lone fight from MS Dhoni, they fell short under immense pressure.
MS Dhoni
Top Scorer
63* (45)
Mitchell Johnson
Best Bowler (MI)
2/19
Player of the Match
Kieron Pollard
For his game-changing 60* off 32 balls.
Architects of Excellence
The season was defined by outstanding individual performances. Explore the top run-scorers and wicket-takers below.
Top 5 Run Scorers (Orange Cap)
Top 5 Wicket Takers (Purple Cap)
Most Valuable Player
Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
543
Runs
13
Wickets
Watson's phenomenal all-round dominance, contributing heavily with both bat and ball, made him the season's most impactful player.
The Shadow Over the Sport
A timeline of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal that led to a crisis of governance and unprecedented judicial intervention in Indian cricket.
May 16, 2013
Delhi Police arrest three Rajasthan Royals players—S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan—on charges of spot-fixing, igniting the scandal.
May 24, 2013
Gurunath Meiyappan, CSK Team Principal and son-in-law of the BCCI President, is arrested for alleged betting and passing team information.
June 5, 2013
Raj Kundra, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, admits to betting on IPL matches, deepening the crisis and implicating team ownership.
Oct 8, 2013
The Supreme Court of India appoints the Mudgal Committee for an independent probe, signaling a loss of faith in the BCCI's internal processes.
July 14, 2015
The Lodha Committee delivers its landmark verdict, suspending Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years and recommending sweeping reforms for the BCCI.