Rajasthan Royals React to Match-Fixing Claims and Demand Action

The Rajasthan Royals have recently been in the midst of controversy after Jaydeep Bihani, convener of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee, challenged the team's performance in their last match against Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2025. Bihani challenged the fairness of the game, claiming that the 2-run defeat may not have been quite fair and even alleged tampering. This grave accusation heightened the tension between the IPL franchise and the Rajasthan Cricket Association to a larger degree.

The management of Rajasthan Royals categorically rejected these accusations in a stern manner, terming them as false and unfounded. Deep Roy, a senior official with the team, dismissed Bihani’s remarks as “false, baseless, and without any evidence.” According to Roy, there was no truth in the allegations made by Bihani, and they were simply not grounded in fact. The team’s management also made it clear that such statements were damaging and had seriously affected the reputation of both the franchise and the cricket community.

As a result, the Rajasthan Royals have formally complained about Bihani’s remarks to key authorities, including the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Sports Secretary. In their complaint, the team requested that strict action be taken against Bihani for making such misleading and harmful accusations. The franchise emphasized that these public statements were not just irresponsible but also damaging to the credibility and integrity of the sport, affecting both the Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Sports Council.

Bihani’s accusations went beyond just questioning the match's result. He also accused the Rajasthan Royals, the Rajasthan Sports Council, and even the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of collusion. Bihani had complained that all the groups were conspiring to exclude the RCA's ad hoc committee from any business with IPL, i.e., from organizing matches at Jaipur. It was a serious allegation, one implicating the management of Rajasthan cricket in sabotaging the efforts of the ad hoc committee and indeed the RCA body as well.

In addition to these allegations, the Rajasthan Royals were swift to respond by stating that they have always been in complete adherence to the regulations of the BCCI and have had a healthy and transparent relationship with the Rajasthan Sports Council. The franchise cited their extensive 18-year association with the state association and government and their continued commitment to working together in the best interests of cricket in the region.

In addition, the Royals explained that they were working extremely closely with Rajasthan Sports Council and BCCI in coordination with the state government to ensure the IPL season smoother in Jaipur. They also stated that, based on agreements prevailing at present, the host right of IPL games in the state was with Rajasthan Sports Council and hence they were a primary partner of the tournament organization.

Bihani’s statements, however, included more specific claims about the role of the Rajasthan Sports Council and the ad hoc committee. He alleged that the Council had conspired to keep the committee away from organizing the IPL match in Jaipur, even going as far as not providing accreditation cards for committee members involved in the event. Such allegations have raised serious doubts about the integrity and fairness of dealing with the event, but the Royals have strongly rejected such allegations as baseless.

The Rajasthan Royals have refuted such allegations and reaffirmed that they have faith that the IPL and the game of cricket should be left in its right place with dignity intact. The franchise believes that these kind of public statements by Bihani without any tangible proof are not benefiting the sport and go only to make unnecessary controversy. They remain determined to continue their work professionally and make the IPL season in Jaipur a success.

Briefly, while tensions remain high between the Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association, the franchise has come out to indicate that they are standing their ground against what they perceive as unfounded allegations. The Royals will assist fully with the BCCI and Rajasthan Sports Council in cooperation to make the IPL a success to the end, and are seeking accountability and action on behalf of those responsible for making false and misleading representations. The fruit of this saga will be reaped only later on, but currently the Rajasthan Royals is concerned only about moving ahead and upholding the dignity of the role they are playing in the IPL.