IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals-RCA dispute escalates over match fixing allegations

The Rajasthan Royals have become embroiled in a conflict with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) following contentious remarks by Jaydeep Bihani regarding the team's recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match. 

Bihani, serving as the convener of the RCA's ad hoc committee, implied that the Royals' narrow 2-run defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants may not have been above board, hinting at potential foul play.

The Royals' management has taken action by filing a formal complaint with key figures in the state, including the Chief Minister, the Sports Minister, and the Sports Secretary, calling for strict measures against Bihani. Deep Roy, a prominent member of the franchise, has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as "false, baseless, and without any evidence."

Allegations & Conspiracy Claims

Bihani's assertions extend beyond the Royals' performance, as he accuses the team, in conjunction with the Rajasthan Sports Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), of attempting to marginalise the RCA's ad hoc committee from IPL-related affairs. The Royals have strongly criticised these claims, asserting that such statements are misleading and have tarnished the reputations of involved parties, including the Royals, Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI.

Royals' Defence

The team has highlighted their 18-year partnership with the state association and government, affirming adherence to BCCI regulations. Current IPL agreements stipulate that the Rajasthan Sports Council oversees IPL match hosting in Jaipur this season. The franchise has emphasised cooperation with both the Council and the BCCI, under state government oversight, to ensure a successful tournament.

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Earlier, Bihani contended that the RCA has been integral in hosting international matches for ICC-BCCI in the state. He alleged that the Sports Council's actions undermine sporting interests by excluding the RCA's ad hoc committee, created by the government, from IPL affairs in Jaipur. Bihani also claimed that event-related committee members were denied accreditation by the State Sports Council.