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Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni will soon have his statement recorded in connection with a ₹100 crore defamation case he filed against two major media channels and a journalist for linking him to the 2013 IPL betting scandal. The Madras High Court has ordered a trial in the case.
Justice CV Karthikeyan has appointed an advocate commissioner to record Dhoni’s evidence. The two-time World Cup-winning captain will not appear in person, as his celebrity status could cause public chaos during proceedings.
Dhoni filed the case in 2014, seeking ₹100 crore in damages. He alleges that defamatory remarks about him were made during a television debate on the IPL betting scandal.
According to The Hindu, Dhoni’s senior counsel, PR Raman, submitted an affidavit from the cricketer requesting that the long-delayed trial finally begin. The case has been pending for nearly a decade, with multiple delays due to relief petitions from the parties involved.
In his affidavit, Dhoni stated, “The above request is made with the intent to avoid any undue delay (in disposal of the suit pending in the High Court for over a decade) and to support the fair, just, and speedy adjudication of the suit. I state that I shall extend my full co-operation with the Advocate Commissioner and comply with all directions issued by this honourable court regarding the trial and the recording of evidence.”
The 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal remains one of the darkest episodes in the T20 league’s history. Three players were found guilty of spot-fixing, while two franchises — Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals — were suspended for two years after top officials were implicated in betting activities.
Dhoni, 44, retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
