Rajasthan Royals (RR) have found themselves in a fresh controversy following serious accusations of match-fixing. Jaideep Bihani, the convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad hoc committee, has questioned the team’s intent and performance in their recent match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Rajasthan Royals have had a disappointing run in IPL 2025. They have been struggling to find form despite retaining their core from previous seasons. The Sanju Samson-led team has failed to live up to expectations and is currently eighth on the 10-team points table, with just two wins in eight matches so far.
Rajasthan Royals Accused of ‘Match-Fixing’ Following Deliberate Defeat to LSG
The Jaipur team suffered a narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 clash on April 19 in Jaipur. They were in a winning position during their chase of 181 but faltered in the final overs. With just nine runs needed in the last over, LSG fast bowler Avesh Khan turned the game in favour of his team.
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Speaking to News18 Rajasthan, Jaideep Bihani, who is also an MLA from Sri Ganganagar, raised serious concerns. Bihani stated that the ad hoc committee had no control over the Royals’ affairs in the IPL.
“The ad hoc committee has been appointed by the state government in Rajasthan. It has extended for a fifth time. We make sure all competitions take place without any issues,” Bihani stated.
“But then, just as IPL came, the Zila Parishad (district council) took control of it. For IPL, the BCCI had first sent a letter to RCA only, not the Zila Parishad.
The Excuse Given by Them and RR Is… – Jaideep Bihani
Jaideep Bihani raised further concerns about the Rajasthan Royals bypassing the Rajasthan Cricket Association and dealing directly with the district council (Zila Parishad) for stadium-related matters.
“The excuse given by them and RR is that we don’t have an MoU from Sawai Mansingh Stadium. If the MoU is not there, so what? Aren’t you paying Zila Parishad for every match?”
RR failed to chase just nine runs in the final over against Delhi Capitals (DC) and ended up losing in a Super Over. They will also be missing captain Sanju Samson for their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
How Rajasthan Royals Lost to Lucknow Super Giants
RR started their chase of 181 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal (74) and IPL debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi (34) adding an 85-run partnership in just 8.4 overs. RR only needed 25 runs from the final three overs, with eight wickets in hand. It seemed like an easy win was on the cards.
However, LSG’s Avesh Khan turned the game with his bowling. He removed Jaiswal and Riyan Parag in the 18th over, conceding only five runs.
With nine needed off the final over, Rajasthan Royals’ Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer were at the crease. Avesh Khan dismissed Hetmyer on the third ball of the over. RR now needed six runs from three balls but could only manage three.
Also read: Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi bullied by LSG stars after sensational debut in IPL 2025
