CSK, RR back into IPL

Two popular Indian Premier League teams will be back in action next year after serving a two-year ban over a scandal that involved illegal betting on matches, the cricket board said Friday.

A Supreme Court appointed panel had barred Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the Twenty20 competition in 2015, saying such a punishment was needed to protect the integrity of the game.

Royals' co-owner Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, and Gurunath Meiyappan, of the Chennai franchise, were banned for life from cricket-related activities.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Friday welcomed the teams back into the fold, saying the tournament will be "enriched" by their return.

"Both the teams have enjoyed tremendous on-field success and have a mass following," acting BCCI president C. K. Khanna said in a news release.

"The loyal fans will again get to see their favourite teams and stars in action from the upcoming season of the VIVO IPL."