Rajasthan Royals Hit Back After Match-Fixing Allegations Surface Following Close Loss to LSG

The Rajasthan Royals are at the center of a fresh controversy after their narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 sparked allegations of match-fixing. Jaideep Bihani, convener of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad hoc committee, questioned the result of the match and hinted that there could be more to the loss than just poor cricket.

In response, the Royals’ management didn’t waste time in hitting back. The franchise has now lodged a formal complaint with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Sports Secretary, urging strict action against Bihani for his explosive claims. Deep Roy, a senior official with the Royals, dismissed the accusations outright. “These statements are completely false, baseless, and without any proof,” he said. The franchise also released a statement condemning Bihani’s comments, saying they have caused serious harm to the reputation of the team, their parent company Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), and even the BCCI. "They also tarnish the integrity of cricket," the statement read. 

Bihani didn’t just stop at the Royals. In an interview with News18 Rajasthan, he took aim at the Rajasthan Sports Council and the BCCI as well, suggesting the three bodies were colluding to keep the RCA ad hoc committee out of IPL matters. He pointed to Rajasthan Royals’ controversial history, referencing the 2013 spot-fixing scandal and the two-year ban that followed. He also brought up former franchise co-owner Raj Kundra’s involvement in betting, further fuelling the demand for an investigation into the recent match. 

In the wake of match-fixing accusations and claims of being sidelined, the Royals issued a statement highlighting their 18-year partnership with both the state government and cricketing authorities in Rajasthan. The franchise stressed that they’ve always operated in full alignment with BCCI regulations, and that hasn’t changed in IPL 2025. 

According to the current framework laid out by the BCCI, it’s the Rajasthan Sports Council – not the RCA – that holds the official rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur this season. The Royals pointed out that their coordination with both the Sports Council and the BCCI has been smooth and fully supported by the state government. “We’re working closely with all stakeholders to make sure the tournament runs successfully here in Jaipur,” the franchise said in a statement.

However, Rajasthan Royals have made it clear that they won’t let these allegations slide, calling the remarks not only damaging but also deeply irresponsible. As the tension between RCA and the franchise heats up, all eyes will be on how the BCCI responds to this growing storm.