A cloud of controversy loomed over the IPL 2025 season after Rajasthan Royals’ narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, following accusations of match-fixing leveled by Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad-hoc committee. Bihani alleged that RR deliberately lost the match by failing to chase down nine runs in the final over despite having wickets in hand. The claims quickly caught attention and ignited backlash, prompting strong rebuttals from both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Rajasthan Royals. In a firm response, a senior BCCI official dismissed the allegations, pointing out that the RCA is currently dissolved and functioning under an ad-hoc setup, and suggested that the controversy may be fueled more by internal power struggles than genuine concerns.

The official stressed that the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit is operational around the clock during the IPL to prevent any malpractice, reaffirming the league’s zero-tolerance stance on integrity issues. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals responded with a strongly worded letter addressed to the BCCI, the Rajasthan State Sports Council, and the state government, refuting the match-fixing claims and describing them as baseless and damaging.

The franchise stated that such allegations not only tarnish the team’s reputation but also cast unwarranted aspersions on its parent company, Royal Multi Sport Pvt. Ltd., the BCCI, and the sport itself. The letter highlighted the Royals’ long-standing 18-year relationship with the RCA and emphasized that all matches in Jaipur this season are being conducted in strict accordance with BCCI protocols. It also urged authorities to take corrective action against individuals attempting to create needless controversy. Sources close to the situation suggested that a key reason behind the fallout may have been the reduced number of complimentary tickets allocated to RCA members this year—down from 1,800 to around 1,000-1,200—following the dissolution of the RCA and new guidelines issued by BCCI directing RR to coordinate exclusively with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC).

This logistical shift appears to have caused friction, which some believe may be fueling the current allegations. As the matter continues to unfold, it has further complicated the already tense relations between Rajasthan’s cricket stakeholders, drawing attention to the political undercurrents that often accompany high-stakes sports leagues. While both BCCI and Rajasthan Royals have categorically denied any wrongdoing, the episode has raised broader questions about governance, transparency, and the enduring challenge of safeguarding the game’s integrity amidst regional disputes and administrative instability.