The cricketing world was shocked when Rajasthan Royals (RR) were accused of fixing games during their two close losses against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). Rajasthan Cricket Association's (RCA) ad-hoc committee convener Jaydeep Bihani alleged RR of deliberately losing games when ideally they should have won.
On both occasions, RR needed just nine runs while chasing the targets. Against DC, the match went to Super Over, while against LSG, Avesh Khan gave just six runs as RR lost by two runs. RR has responded strongly to the accusations made by RCA with a formal letter. The franchise has vehemently denied any allegations. In the same letter, RR stated that the chief motive behind the RCA's remarks may be ticket sales. According to the TOI report, the RCA this IPL 2025 season has received fewer tickets than they would usually get.
The RR franchise usually gives RCA close to 1,800 tickets per match. However, this year, the number has significantly dipped, as RCA has been given just 1,000-1,200 tickets per match now.
"At the start of the season, the BCCI gave us a clear guideline that since the RCA is dissolved, we would be dealing with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) for all arrangements," said an RR insider, as per the report.
"The disgruntled member of the RCA ad-hoc committee and his associates are demanding an exorbitant amount of tickets, and we are not entertaining them. This is the sole reason behind all this drama," the insider further added.
Also Read: IPL 2025: BCCI Orchestrates Poignant Homage for Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims in SRH vs MI Match
BCCI official responds to RCA's match-fixing accusations against RR
After RR strongly denied the accusations made by Bihani, a BCCI official also spoke out against the RCA.
"The RCA is currently dissolved. An ad-hoc committee has been formed, and with the elections approaching, there is a lot of drama. Everyone wants attention. The BCCI has an anti-corruption unit working 24/7 to keep bad elements away from the game. There is no truth to these allegations," the BCCI official told TOI on conditions of anonymity.
The RR management is also deeply shocked by RCA's allegations and hit back at them by saying such remarks tarnish the image of the team.
"We reject all allegations made by the convener of the ad hoc committee. Such public statements are not only misleading but have caused serious damage to the reputation and credibility of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Multi-Sport Private Limited (RMPL), the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI. They also tarnish the integrity of cricket."
Speaking about RR, the team has had the worst possible start to the IPL 2025 campaign, as they have won just two games out of their first eight games played.
