"They also tarnish the integrity of cricket."
Rajasthan Royals reacted to claims of match-fixing after the side’s loss to the Lucknow Super Giants.
The match took place on April 19 and it was a historic moment for the Royals as 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut.
However, the Royals narrowly lost by two runs.
The match has now become embroiled in controversy after Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad hoc committee, questioned the defeat.
He suggested potential tampering and alleged broader collusion involving the Royals, the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI.
Bihani had issued a statement accusing all three organisations of sidelining the RCA’s ad hoc committee from IPL-related activities.
He said the exclusion appeared deliberate and suggested the integrity of the match in Jaipur may have been compromised.
In response, the Rajasthan Royals management has filed formal complaints with the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Sports Secretary.
The franchise is seeking strict action against Bihani for what it describes as defamatory claims.
Deep Roy, a senior Royals official, rejected the accusations outright:
“False, baseless, and without any evidence.”
In a statement, Rajasthan Royals said: “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.”
The Royals pointed to their 18-year partnership with the state government and cricketing authorities. They said all IPL operations are being carried out in full compliance with BCCI rules.
According to the BCCI’s current arrangements, the Rajasthan Sports Council holds official rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur during the 2025 season.
The Royals say they are working with both the Council and BCCI, under the state government’s supervision, to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.
However, Bihani continues to allege that the RCA ad hoc committee has been deliberately excluded from all IPL activities in Jaipur.
He said:
“The State Sports Council kept the RCA ad hoc committee away from organising the IPL.”
“They did not even make accreditation cards for the members related to the event.”
He further claimed that the Sports Council is acting against the interests of sports development in the state.
Bihani argued that the RCA had previously hosted successful ICC and BCCI events and deserved involvement in IPL matches as well.
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