While the Indian Premier League 2026 is providing plenty of on-field drama, a surge of viral misinformation is creating a stir off the pitch. A photoshopped letter, allegedly signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan, has been circulating on social media. It claims the franchise filed a formal complaint with the BCCI regarding “black magic” and “malicious energies” used by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans.
However, a thorough investigation reveals that this letter is 100% fake. No such complaint has been filed by the franchise.
The Anatomy of the Hoax: Why It Went Viral
The rumor took flight after a video from the SRH vs CSK match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium went viral. In the clip, a fan in the stands is seen rotating a lemon and reciting what appear to be mantras while pointing toward the pitch.
In a bizarre coincidence, CSK batter Shivam Dube was clean-bowled by Bihar’s young sensation Sakib Hussain on the very next delivery. Social media users quickly turned the coincidence into a “voodoo” narrative, which eventually led to the creation of the fabricated official-looking document.
Why the letter is confirmed to be a fabrication
- Administrative Errors: The letter lists the company as “Chennai Super Kings Private Limited,” whereas the actual legal entity is Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL).
- Typos: The text of the letter misspells the CEO’s name as “Kasi Viswarathan.”
- BCCI Protocol: The letter is addressed vaguely to “Wankhede Stadium,” while official correspondence is always directed to the “Cricket Centre” at the Wankhede Stadium complex.
- Official Silence: Neither the BCCI nor CSK’s official press channels have released or acknowledged this document.
The “Idli-Dosa” Context: A Half-Truth
The prank gained credibility because it leaned on a genuine grievance from earlier in the season. On April 5, CSK did indeed express displeasure to the BCCI regarding a stadium DJ at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (RCB vs CSK) who allegedly played an “Idli-Dosa-Sambar” song. The franchise viewed this as a derogatory stereotype. Because CSK had recently taken action on a sensitive cultural issue, fans were more inclined to believe the “voodoo” letter was real.
Match Context: SRH vs CSK (April 18, 2026)
In reality, the match was decided by clinical cricketing performance. Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated the 5-time champions, with Eshan Malinga (3/29) leading the attack. Sakib Hussain (1/32) provided the breakthrough of Dube in the 17th over, a delivery that skidded through at 138 kmph to rattle the leg stump.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Result | SRH won by 10 runs |
| SRH Total | 194/9 |
| CSK Total | 184/8 |
| Sakib Hussain Stats | 1/32 (4 overs) |