The Fair Play Award in IPL: More Than Just a Trophy, A Statement of Spirit

A mix of sportsmanship, high drama, and tactical warfare characterizes the tournament. While the term ‘fair play’ is something which should ideally be an afterthought, from the vantage point of the IPL’s journey since 2008, the fair play award is much more than just a recognition. It reveals a much quieter and less glamorous, yet equally important, story of tempering provocation, courtesy under duress, and playing the game not just to win, but graciously in a manner that befits its spirit.

It is unlike any other award in that it is untainted by a match result. A team can win, lose, or draw a game, all the while receiving an unbiased grade. Fair play as a principle of assessment is indispensable to the captains. There exists an array of assessment factors ranging from the compliance behavior of bowlers with no-ball regulations, dissent amongst fielders, and even sneaker moderation regarding over-reproaches. These factors, although seemingly trivial, fundamentally establish the threshold of professional sports.

How the Fair Play Points Are Calculated in IPL

Every match in the IPL is scored on fair play, with the on-field umpires rating both teams on several criteria. The rating system is transparent, if a bit subjective — but it emphasizes the right things.

Criteria for Fair Play Points

Category	Max Points per Match	What It Measures
Respect towards opposition	2	Conduct, body language, sportsmanship
Respect towards umpires	2	Acceptance of decisions, no excessive dissent
Adherence to spirit of the game	4	Collective team behavior, leadership tone
Code of conduct and over rates	2	Bowling within time, no on-field altercations
Total Possible Points	10

Teams are rated out of ten after every match. The average across the season determines the eventual winner. That means you can’t just switch on good behavior in the final week. It has to be consistent. That’s what makes it tough. And respectable.

Fair Play Award IPL History: Who’s Walked the Talk?

Let’s get into the numbers. Some franchises have been consistently high on the fair play leaderboard, while others — despite multiple title wins — have never lifted this trophy. Here’s what the record looks like from 2008 to 2025:

Table: IPL Fair Play Award Winners (2008–2025)

Year	Team	Notable Detail
2008	Chennai Super Kings	Also finalists; Dhoni’s leadership evident
2009	Kings XI Punjab	Surprise entry; narrowly missed playoffs
2010	Chennai Super Kings	Did the double: IPL + Fair Play
2011	Chennai Super Kings	3rd title in 4 years
2012	Rajasthan Royals	Rebuilt after controversy; led by Dravid
2013	Chennai Super Kings	Dominance and discipline
2014	Chennai Super Kings	Quiet consistency
2015	Chennai Super Kings	Five-time winners of Fair Play by now
2016	Sunrisers Hyderabad	First-time recipients
2017	Gujarat Lions	New franchise, big impression
2018	Mumbai Indians	Rare mix of aggression and control
2019	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Bowling unit led fair tempo
2020	Kings XI Punjab	Second win — consistency in approach
2021	Rajasthan Royals	Second win — young squad, steady ethics
2022	Gujarat Titans	New team, fresh spirit
2023	Lucknow Super Giants	Composed temperament through the season
2024	Chennai Super Kings	Return to top under new leadership
2025	Rajasthan Royals	Third-time winners, led by Sanju Samson

CSK and RR: Two Roads to the Same Goal

The Chennai Super Kings hold the record — eight-time recipients as of 2025. Their approach has always been steady: not just winning but leading. Their captains — first Dhoni, then his successors — kept tempers low and decision-making smart. It’s no coincidence that the most consistent fair play winners were also perennial playoff contenders.

On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals offer a different story. Not always title favorites, but culturally stable, led by players like Rahul Dravid and later Sanju Samson. RR’s calm ethos has reflected in their discipline. It’s a reminder that even in a format that rewards explosiveness, poise still matters.

Why Fair Play Still Counts in a Format Built on Hype

Some fans argue that the fair play award IPL gives is… well, irrelevant. What’s the point, they say, when a team finishes 9th but tops this table? But that misses the point. In a league that shapes young players’ attitudes and defines the global tone of the sport, these awards are cultural cues.

Watch a player like Ruturaj Gaikwad take his helmet off when reaching 50. Or Rashid Khan calmly accept a no-ball ruling. These moments, quiet as they are, ripple through fan bases. And fair play recognition formalizes that. It encourages captains to speak calmly in press conferences. It makes umpires more respected, not just tolerated. It encourages teenagers watching from Nagpur to believe that how you win matters as much as the win.

Table: Most Fair Play Awards by Franchise (as of 2025)

Team	Total Awards
Chennai Super Kings	8
Rajasthan Royals	3
Kings XI Punjab	2
Sunrisers Hyderabad	2
Gujarat Titans	1
Mumbai Indians	1
Lucknow Super Giants	1

Looking Ahead: Can Fair Play Define a New Kind of Winner?

As the IPL grows, and as it expands its global footprint, we’re likely to see this award mean more. Sponsors may align with it. New franchises might shape their cultures around it. And one day, we may even see players chosen for national sides not just because they averaged 40, but because they led with grace.

That’s the vision. And the fair play award IPL fans quietly watch — even if it’s not on highlight reels — is where that vision begins. It’s not the flashiest honor. But it might just be the one that matters most when the floodlights dim and the legacy is what’s left.