IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals accused of match-fixing by official

Dubai: Rajasthan Royals’ campaign has taken a dramatic turn, spiralling from early promise to mounting pressure — and now, serious allegations. The team has not only suffered a fourth consecutive defeat but is now facing accusations of match-fixing from a senior official in Rajasthan.

Their latest setback came in Jaipur, where the Royals lost their second home game of the season by two runs to Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a modest target with nine required off the final over, the hosts fell short as Avesh Khan held his nerve. The tight loss followed their Super Over defeat to Delhi Capitals — but this time, the fallout was more explosive.

Jaideep Bihani, the convener of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee and MLA from Sri Ganganagar, launched a scathing attack on the franchise during an interview with News18 Rajasthan, openly accusing the team of match-fixing.

“On the home ground, how did they lose when requiring so few runs in the final over?” Bihani asked. “The ad hoc committee was appointed by the state government in Rajasthan and its tenure has been extended for the fifth time. We ensure all competitions take place without issues. But once the IPL started, the Zila Parishad (district council) took over. For IPL, the BCCI initially sent a letter to the RCA, not the Zila Parishad. The excuse given by them and Rajasthan Royals is that we don’t have an MoU with Sawai Mansingh Stadium. If there’s no MoU, so what? Aren’t you paying Zila Parishad for every match?”

Bihani’s comments have stirred controversy and raised fresh questions. On the field, things aren’t much better. The franchise now sit eighth on the points table, level on four points with two other teams but ahead only on net run rate.

To make matters worse, captain Sanju Samson has been ruled out of their next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to a side strain. He has not travelled to the Garden City, and the team will be led by Riyan Parag in his absence.

“The team management is monitoring his progress closely and will take a game-by-game approach regarding his return to action,” the franchise said in a statement on Monday.

Amid the chaos, one glimmer of hope has emerged — the sensational debut of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who impressed with a composed 34 against Lucknow. The youngster’s knock stood out in a tense, low-scoring chase, offering fans a glimpse of the future.

But for now, the Royals have plenty of issues in the present to contend with — on the field, and far beyond it.