Madras High Court Orders Trial in MS Dhoni’s ₹100 Crore Defamation Case

Despite retiring from international cricket, MS Dhoni continues to play in the IPL. Photo: AFP

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni filed a ₹100 crore defamation lawsuit in 2014 against two Indian media channels and a journalist for linking his name to the 2013 IPL betting scandal. Over a decade later, on August 11, 2025, the Madras High Court ordered the commencement of the trial in this case.

Following an affidavit submitted by Dhoni’s legal team expressing intent to proceed, Justice C.V. Karthikeyan issued the order. According to News18, the judge appointed an Advocate Commissioner to record Dhoni’s evidence, considering that his physical presence in court could cause chaos due to his celebrity status. The 44-year-old cricketer will not appear in person for the proceedings but will provide testimony and evidence.

Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL titles, alleged that defamatory remarks were made against him during a television debate on the IPL betting controversy. The Hindu reported that Senior Counsel P.R. Raman submitted an affidavit on Dhoni’s behalf, stating, “The request is made to avoid undue delay and support fair, just, and speedy adjudication of the suit. I will fully cooperate with the Advocate Commissioner and comply with all court directions regarding the trial and recording of evidence.” The Statesman reported that Dhoni specified his availability for examination and cross-examination between October 20 and December 10, 2025, with the venue and dates to be mutually decided. The lawsuit names Zee Media Corporation, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, retired IPS officer G. Sampath Kumar, and News Nation Network. Delays in the trial were attributed to multiple applications filed by the parties involved.

The 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal was a significant event, leading to the conviction of three cricketers and a two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals due to betting activities by their officials. Although Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020, he continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

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