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Allegations of match-fixing gripped the Chennai Super Kings following their win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025 earlier last week.
Days later, the Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by stand-in captain Riyan Parag, are now subject to similar accusations.
However, the CSK-LSG allegations were mere speculations by their respective fandoms, whereas RR has been accused by the convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) of sending sensational waves.
Accusations of match-fixing by RCA:
Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee, accused the team of deliberately losing their April 19 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The allegations, far more severe than the fan-driven rumours around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) days earlier, have sparked a firestorm.
Collapse Against LSG Raises Eyebrows
RR’s dramatic two-run defeat in Jaipur saw them crumble from a commanding 156/2 in the 17th over while chasing 181. Stand-in captain Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell in quick succession to Avesh Khan, leaving the lower order to score nine runs off the final six balls.
Despite Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer at the crease, RR managed only three runs in the last three deliveries, collapsing to 178/5.
Bihani, a BJP MLA, called the loss “unthinkable,” stating, “Even a child would say this was fixed.” He criticised RR’s tactical decisions and accused the franchise of sidelining RCA’s government-appointed ad hoc committee from IPL 2025 operations.
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Feud Over Management Control
The RCA convenor alleged collusion between RR, the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI to exclude RCA from hosting IPL matches at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
“The BCCI initially communicated only with RCA, not the Zila Parishad,” Bihani claimed, questioning why the district council was granted authority.
He argued that RCA’s absence violated protocols, despite the franchise paying the council for match hosting.
RR management denied all charges, calling Bihani’s claims “baseless and damaging.” A senior official emphasised their 18-year partnership with the state and adherence to BCCI guidelines, adding that matches are organised in coordination with the Sports Council and the state government.
Samson’s Absence, Youth Debut Add to Chaos
RR’s struggles have been compounded by injuries. Regular captain Sanju Samson missed the LSG game, with Parag leading a reshuffled lineup. The match also saw 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi become the youngest IPL debutant, a bright spot overshadowed by the controversy.
Currently eighth in the standings with six losses, RR’s season hangs in the balance. Their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24 will test their ability to regroup under scrutiny.
CSK-LSG Drama: A Background of Distrust
Earlier, CSK’s win over LSG had sparked fan theories of foul play.
Critics questioned Rishabh Pant’s decision to bowl ex-CSK player Shardul Thakur in the penultimate over, where he leaked 19 runs, and MS Dhoni’s sudden resurgence at 43.
While those claims lacked evidence, they revived memories of CSK’s 2013 spot-fixing scandal.
For RR, however, the allegations are institutional, not just speculative. With no formal investigation launched yet, the franchise’s reputation and the IPL’s credibility remain under a cloud.
The IPL governing council has not commented on either case
