In an era where controversies, heated exchanges, and aggressive send-offs make headlines, this award serves as a quiet reminder that respect, honesty, and sportsmanship still matter
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a whirlwind of power-hitting, nail-biting finishes and fierce rivalries. Players vie for the Orange Cap, Purple Cap, and Most Valuable Player awards every year, while teams aspire to claim the coveted IPL trophy. Despite all the high-voltage excitement, one award quietly earns its place in the record books: the IPL Fair Play Award.
This accolade isn’t about who hits the longest sixes or bowls the swiftest yorkers. It’s about something much more fundamental: the spirit of cricket. Nevertheless, it remains an underappreciated honour.
The IPL Fair Play Award is presented to the team that exemplifies the spirit of cricket throughout the season. While the IPL thrives on adrenaline-fuelled contests, it also promotes civility. There should be no unnecessary aggression, excessive appeals, or unpleasant confrontations—only pure, competitive cricket played respectfully.
Unlike the Orange and Purple Caps, which rely solely on statistics, the Fair Play Award is determined by umpires’ evaluations. Following each match, the on-field umpires and the third umpire assess teams on various factors, including:
A perfect game awards a team ten points. At the end of the competition, the team with the highest average score for each match wins the prize.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have dominated the Fair Play rankings for several years, just as they have the league itself. With six titles, CSK comfortably leads the Fair Play honours list. The Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have won it three times, while the Mumbai Indians have secured it twice.
The teams still seeking fair play glory include the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Interestingly, two of these teams—RCB and LSG—have yet to win the IPL crown, further prolonging their quest for silverware.
Sunrisers Hyderabad advanced to the IPL 2024 final last season but could not win the championship. Nonetheless, they gained something valuable: the Fair Play Award. They accumulated 173 points in 17 games, averaging 10.18. Punjab Kings followed closely behind with 142 points, while CSK finished third with 140 points.
At the opposite end of the table, RCB placed last in the Fair Play standings. With an average of 9.53 points per game, the team experienced some challenging periods on the pitch.
In a format where mental games are as vital as runs and wickets, aggressiveness is often perceived as a weapon. Players are constantly scrutinised, with cameras capturing every expression, celebration, and confrontation.
Some contend that being “too nice” is a liability and that teams must possess an edge to outwit their opponents. However, history tells a different story. CSK, the most successful Fair Play franchise, is also among the top IPL teams. Their track record illustrates that playing fair does not equate to weakness but signifies intelligence.
