Controversy Erupts After Close Defeat

Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced unexpected match-fixing allegations following their narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 19, 2025. Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad-hoc committee, accused RR of underperformance, suggesting the match outcome was manipulated. He claimed, "Even a child could see something was off," implying deliberate underperformance by the team. 

BCCI Dismisses Fixing Claims

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly refuted these allegations. A BCCI official emphasized the integrity of the league, stating, "The BCCI has an anti-corruption unit working 24x7 to keep bad elements away from the game. There is no truth to these allegations." ​

Rajasthan Royals Demand Action

In response to the accusations, RR sent a strongly worded letter to the BCCI and Rajasthan state authorities, labeling Bihani's claims as baseless and damaging. The franchise asserted that such statements harm not only their reputation but also that of the BCCI and the sport itself. They urged the authorities to take appropriate action against individuals making unfounded allegations. 

Ticket Dispute Fuels Tensions

Underlying the controversy is a dispute over complimentary ticket allocations. Previously, RR provided 1,800 free tickets to the RCA for home matches. However, with the RCA currently dissolved, the franchise reduced this number to 1,000-1,200 tickets, coordinating instead with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) as per BCCI guidelines. RR insiders suggest that the reduced ticket allocation may have contributed to the RCA's grievances. 

Looking Ahead

As the IPL 2025 season progresses, RR aims to focus on their upcoming matches, including a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24. The franchise hopes to move past the controversy and concentrate on their performance on the field.