The Rajasthan Royals are at the center of a controversy after Jaydeep Bihani, coordinator of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), raised questions about the team’s integrity. The allegations surfaced during the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Narrow Losses Spark Suspicion
The Royals lost two consecutive matches, but in both cases, they were in a strong position until the end. Against Delhi Capitals, they lost in a super over after needing just 9 runs in the final over with plenty of wickets remaining. Against Lucknow Super Giants, they fell short by 2 runs, again requiring 9 runs in the final over with capable batsmen at the crease. These narrow losses prompted Bihani to question the team’s conduct.
Ticket Allocation Row
A report in the Times of India suggests that the RCA’s dissatisfaction with the number of tickets allocated for IPL 2025 matches may be behind the controversy. Normally, the RCA receives 1800 tickets per match, but this year the number has been reduced to between 1000 and 1200. A source close to the Rajasthan Royals attributed the RCA’s actions to this reduction, stating that the association’s disgruntled members were demanding more tickets and were unhappy when their demands were not met.
BCCI’s Response
A BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the allegations as baseless, citing the presence of a robust anti-corruption unit that works around the clock to prevent malpractices in the game. The official noted that the RCA is currently under administration due to its dissolution, and the ensuing power struggle is likely driving the controversy.
Rajathan Royals’ Rebuttal
The Rajasthan Royals management issued a statement rejecting the allegations and asserting that they were working closely with the Rajasthan Sports Council and the BCCI to ensure a successful tournament. They claimed that the accusations were not only misleading but also damaging to the reputation of the team, RMPL, Rajasthan Royals Sports Council, and the BCCI, as well as tarnishing the integrity of the game.