Chennai Super Kings, led by India’s one-day international captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Rajasthan Royals, skippered by star Australian batsman Steve Smith, were the two franchises punished by the Rajendra Mal Lodha panel in a massive blow to the eight-team tournament.

Gurunath Meiyappan — the son-in-law of the Chennai franchise owner and the current boss of the International Cricket Council Narayanaswami Srinivasan — was suspended for life from cricket-related activities.

A similar suspension was imposed on Raj Kundra, co-owner of the Rajasthan team and husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.

“Their conduct has affected the image of the game, the players and others associated with the tournament,” Lodha, a former chief justice, told reporters while revealing his panel’s verdict.

Asked about the financial losses of players from the two teams, Lodha said: “We did not consider financial losses to players and teams. That is not significant. The integrity of the game is what matters.” – AFP

Reaction on Twitter

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The punishment is exemplary, strong and sends out a strong message: Justice Mukul Mudgal on #IPLVerdict https://t.co/3PUkzD0V0V

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 14, 2015

#IPLVerdict So does the suspension from all cricket activities means Meiyappn and Kundra can’t watch a match on TV? Or play gully cricket?

— Anuja J (@AnujaJaiman) July 14, 2015

Yograj Singh right now… #IPLVerdict pic.twitter.com/DuMRowoc7l

— OfficeOfZoomie (@zoomphatak) July 14, 2015

Right now. #IPLverdict pic.twitter.com/dLzsg7xJkf

— Karan Talwar (@BollywoodGandu) July 14, 2015

So the “Cricket Enthusiast” will now have to get a little less enthusiastic about the game. #IPLVerdict

— Sumit Bajoria (@SumitBajoria) July 14, 2015

Entire nation is thankful to the Lodha committee for taking the first step towards cleaning up cricket #IPLVerdict

— कोमल 🙂 (@Komal_Indian) July 14, 2015