The Indian Premier League revolves around competitive rivalry, dramatic last overs and pressure-packed cricket. However, apart from being a contest for victories and trophies, the league also awards the team with the most disciplined conduct on the cricket ground. The IPL Fair Play Award is awarded to the most disciplined and conductive team in a particular season. It signifies sportsmanship. Since the debut of the IPL in the year 2008 till 2025, there was only one franchise that won the IPL Fair Play Award more than once – Chennai Super Kings, the champions in showing conductive play in the cricketing world.
It can be said that the Fair Play Award gives an insight into the other aspect of the league that is not portrayed through the league’s point table. During the years 2008-2025, eight franchises received the award. Among these franchises, Chennai Super Kings won the award maximum times with 7 wins in total, followed by Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
IPL Fair Play Award Winners From 2008 To 2025
| Season | Fair Play Award Winner |
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2009 | Punjab Kings |
| 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 | Rajasthan Royals & Gujarat Titans (shared) |
| 2023 | Delhi Capitals |
| 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2025 | Chennai Super Kings |
How Does the Points System Work?
The Fair Play Award is based on a simple 10-point scale used after every match. Umpires assess each team on four criteria. Spirit of the game carries four points, while respect for the opposition, the laws of cricket and the umpires carry two points each.
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The final rankings are decided by average points per match, not by total points. This ensures teams that play extra matches in the playoffs do not gain an unfair advantage. As a result, consistency matters more than longevity. Even a small gap, such as CSK’s 0.03-point edge in 2025, can decide the award.
Team-Wise Fair Play Award Wins
| Team | Wins | Winning Seasons |
| Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2025 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 3 | 2012, 2021, 2022 (shared) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 3 | 2016, 2019, 2024 |
| Mumbai Indians | 2 | 2018, 2020 |
| Punjab Kings | 1 | 2009 |
| Gujarat Lions | 1 | 2017 |
| Gujarat Titans | 1 | 2022 (shared) |
| Delhi Capitals | 1 | 2023 |
The CSK team is unique with seven Fair Play awards in 18 years. Most of the success came under the cool-headed captaincy of MS Dhoni, whose cool demeanor formed part of the club’s identity.
Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have won three Fair Play awards each. Mumbai Indians have two awards, while Punjab Kings, Gujarat Lions, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals have won one each. However, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Lucknow Super Giants haven’t won any award yet.
