(Image source from: Financialexpress.com)

MS Dhoni is about to give his statement after the Madras High Court instructed a trial in a 100 crore rupee defamation case he initiated against two major media outlets and a reporter for involving him in the 2013 IPL betting scandal. Justice CV Karthikeyan has appointed a lawyer to gather evidence for Dhoni. The two-time world cup captain will not be physically present for the investigation, as his celebrity status could create disturbances. Dhoni launched this case in 2014, asking for 100 crore rupees in damages from the accused. The 44-year-old claims that during a TV discussion on the IPL betting issue, harmful comments were directed at him.

According to a report, senior lawyer PR Raman submitted a statement from Dhoni asking for the trial to begin, which has been delayed for ten years due to the parties involved seeking different resolutions during that time. “This request is made to prevent further delays in resolving the case that has been in the High Court for over ten years and to aid in the fair and quick resolution of the case. I promise to fully cooperate with the Advocate Commissioner and follow all instructions from this respected court regarding the trial and evidence collection,” the statement said. The IPL spot-fixing and betting issue from 2013 is seen as a significant scandal in the history of the T20 league. Three cricketers were found guilty of spot-fixing, while two teams – the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals – faced a two-year suspension due to the betting actions of their top management. Dhoni ended his international cricket career in August 2020 but still plays for CSK in the IPL.