The IPL Fair Play Award shows the true spirit of cricket, where teams are judged on their behaviour and discipline on the field. In every match, teams can earn up to 10 points for respect for umpires, opponents, and the rules of the game. Chennai Super Kings have won this award 6 times, the most by any team. Gujarat Titans created history by winning both the IPL trophy and the Fair Play Award in their first season.
On the other hand, RCB and KKR have not won this award, despite winning IPL titles. With 2 teams winning it multiple times, the competition stays exciting. Keep reading to know the rules and teams winning this award over the years.
Fair Play Award Winners List by Season
CSK won the first-ever fair play award in the inaugural edition of the IPL, while 2022 is the only edition in which 2 teams, Gujarat Titans & Rajasthan Royals, won this award.
| Season | Team |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2009 | Kings XI Punjab |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2012 | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2015 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2017 | Gujarat Lions |
| 2018 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2019 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2020 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2021 | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans & Rajasthan Royals |
| 2023 | Delhi Capitals |
| 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2025 | Chennai Super Kings |
1. Chennai Super Kings: 6 Times
Fair Play Years: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015
CSK holds the record for the most Fair Play Awards in IPL history, winning it six times. They are widely regarded as the gold standard for playing cricket in the right spirit.
In the years they won the Fair Play Award, CSK also lifted the IPL trophy four times, in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2015. Their consistent presence in this list reflects the culture and professionalism MS Dhoni built at the franchise over the years.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad: 3 Times
Fair Play Years: 2016, 2019, 2024
Sunrisers Hyderabad have won the Fair Play Award three times, making them joint second on the all-time list. Interestingly, one of their Fair Play wins came in 2016, the same year they lifted the IPL trophy under David Warner’s explosive leadership.
Their 2019 and 2024 Fair Play wins show that the franchise has maintained a strong culture of sportsmanship across different squads and captains.
3. Rajasthan Royals: 3 Times
Fair Play Years: 2012, 2021, 2022
Rajasthan Royals have also claimed the Fair Play Award three times, matching Sunrisers Hyderabad for second place on the all-time list. Their wins in 2012, 2021, and 2022.
Notably, in 2022, they reached the IPL Final before losing to the Gujarat Titans, marking their best season since their title win in 2008. The Royals have always been known for nurturing young talent and playing fearless yet respectful cricket throughout their history.
4. Gujarat Titans: 1 Time
Fair Play Year: 2022
Gujarat Titans won the Fair Play Award in 2022, the same year they won the IPL title in their very first season as a franchise. Winning both the trophy and the Fair Play Award in a debut season is a remarkable achievement under the leadership of Hardik Pandya.
The Titans showed that a brand-new team could come into the league and compete at the highest level. They remain the only team in IPL history to win the IPL title and the Fair Play Award simultaneously in their inaugural season.
5. Kings XI Punjab: 1 Time
Fair Play Year: 2009
Kings XI Punjab won the Fair Play Award back in 2009 during the early days of the IPL. While they have never won the IPL title, their 2009 Fair Play recognition remains a proud moment in the franchise’s history.
Punjab has always had entertaining, attacking players in their lineup, and this award showed that their cricket in 2009 went beyond just results. It remains their sole Fair Play Award to date, and their fans will be hoping that a Fair Play win and an IPL title can both come in IPL 2026.
6. Mumbai Indians: 1 Time
Fair Play Year: 2018
Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in IPL history with five titles, have won the Fair Play Award just once. In the 2018 edition, MI won the Fair Play Award under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
It is somewhat surprising that a franchise of their calibre and dominance appears only once in this list. Like CSK, Mumbai proved that playing the game with respect and winning it are not mutually exclusive.
7. Gujarat Lions: 1 Time
Fair Play Year: 2017
Gujarat Lions were a short-lived franchise that played only two seasons in the IPL (2016–2017) after the suspension of CSK and Rajasthan Royals. Despite their brief existence, they won the Fair Play Award in 2017.
The Lions never won the IPL title during their two seasons but reached the playoffs in both years. They were dissolved after the 2017 season when CSK and Rajasthan Royals returned. Their single Fair Play Award is a small but meaningful part of IPL history that often goes unnoticed.
8. Delhi Capitals: 1 Time
Fair Play Year: 2023
Delhi Capitals won their first and only Fair Play Award in 2023, adding a bright spot to what has been a frustrating journey for the franchise. Despite having a star-studded squad over many seasons, Delhi have never won the IPL title, their best finish being runners-up in 2020.
The 2023 Fair Play Award was a recognition of their conduct on the field, even as their on-field results did not go their way that season. Under Rishabh Pant, Delhi have always played aggressive, entertaining cricket, and this award shows they do so while maintaining respect for the game.
How Are Fair Play Award Points Calculated?
mach team is evaluated across four key categories after every match, with a maximum of 10 points available per game:
- For the spirit of the Game, each team will get 4 points. This is the most important part. It shows the team’s attitude, energy, and behaviour during the match.
- For the respect for the Opposition, both participating teams will receive 2 points. It includes not teasing, not sledging, and avoiding any bad behaviour towards opponents.
- 2 points will be awarded for respect for the Laws of Cricket. This looks at whether the team follows the rules properly. It includes fair play, correct fielding positions, and not breaking rules on purpose.
- Since each match consists of 2 umpires, and respect for the Umpires will add 2 points to the team’s fair play tally. Players behave with umpires. Arguing, showing anger, or using too many appeals can reduce points in this category.
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Conclusion: CSK Has Won 6 Fair Play Awards
The IPL Fair Play Award shows which teams play cricket in the right spirit. Chennai Super Kings are at the top with 6 wins, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals 3 times each. Gujarat Titans also impressed by winning this award in their first season, while Gujarat Lions won it once during their 2 seasons IPL journey.
This award is not just about winning matches, but also about respect and discipline on the field. It makes the tournament more interesting for fans. So, which team will win the Fair Play Award in IPL 2026?
