Former IPL Spot-Fixing Convict Ankit Chavan Appointed Head Coach of Mumbai Under-14 Team, Ban Reduced to 7 Years

The 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal shook Indian cricket to its core, ending the careers of players like S. Sreesanth and Rajasthan Royals stars Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chavan. Although the court acquitted them due to lack of evidence, the BCCI imposed strict lifetime bans. Now, Ankit Chavan, once convicted in the case, has been given a major opportunity by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).


Ankit Chavan’s New Role

Ankit Chavan has been appointed head coach of the Mumbai Under-14 cricket team by MCA. The former Rajasthan Royals spinner, banned for life in 2013, had his ban reduced to seven years in 2021. Since then, he has resumed playing club cricket for Karnataka Sports Club, Mumbai, and also qualified as a Level-1 certified cricket coach.


A Fresh Start

Expressing gratitude, Ankit said,

"This is the second innings of my career. I was eagerly waiting for this chance. I thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for trusting me. My aim is to provide quality coaching to our young talents."


"1303" data-end="1587">In the infamous IPL 2013 scandal, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankit Chavan were accused of spot-fixing. The BCCI’s disciplinary committee imposed lifetime bans despite a Delhi court acquitting them in 2015 due to lack of evidence. The bans were later reduced to seven years in 2021.

 


Ankit’s Cricketing Career

Ankit Chavan has represented Mumbai in 18 first-class matches, scoring 571 runs and taking 53 wickets. He played 13 IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals, claiming 8 wickets.


Other MCA Appointments

Alongside Ankit’s appointment, MCA retained Omkar Salvi as the head coach of the Mumbai Ranji team, recognizing the team’s good performance under his leadership. Former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil continues as chairman of the selection committee.