RR Accused For Match Fixing: The IPL 2025 season has turned contentious for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are currently under serious scrutiny. Following their heart-stopping two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the Rajasthan Royals were accused of match fixing by Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee.
Jaideep Bihani Accuses Fixing and Criticizes RR Management
Jaideep Bihani, another BJP MLA from Sri Ganganagar, openly accused the franchise of deliberately performing below par. Speaking about the failed run chase against LSG, he said, “Even a child would say this match was fixed.” His allegations are based on RR’s meltdown when they needed only nine runs in the last over.
During the game, RR were in a commanding position at 156/2 with Yashasvi Jaiswal and acting captain Riyan Parag at the crease. With just 25 runs required from 18 balls, victory was all but certain.
Avesh Khan, however, got rid of both set batsmen, and the rest of the players, including Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Shubham Dubey, could not manage to score nine runs off the last over, raising eyebrows throughout the cricketing fraternity.
RR Accused For Match Fixing By RCA
Besides the allegations of match-fixing, Bihani condemned the RR franchise for not engaging the RCA in the operational management of the team, particularly during home matches. He alleged that the RCA was first approached by the BCCI to coordinate the IPL, but the control was transferred to the Zila Parishad.
He further said, “Just because there is no MoU for the Sawai Mansingh Stadium doesn’t mean you rule out the RCA. You’re paying Zila Parishad on a match-by-match basis, so what’s wrong with including RCA?”
RR’s Struggles Continue: Eighth on Points Table
This controversy comes as the Rajasthan Royals are already under fire for their lackluster performance. Six losses in eight matches have placed RR eighth on the points table, fuelling doubts about their playoff chances. Their next matchup is on April 24 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Captain Sanju Samson to Miss Pivotal Game Against RCB
Adding to their problems, RR will miss regular skipper Sanju Samson, who is recovering from an abdominal injury picked up during the Delhi Capitals match. As per a formal announcement made by the team, Samson will stay put at the team base and pursue his rehabilitation process under medical observation.
“His return will be evaluated on a match-by-match basis,” the team clarified.
What’s Next for RR Amid Controversy and Injuries?
With increasing pressure from the fans and officials as well, the Rajasthan Royals have to provide a good performance in their next games to revive their IPL 2025 season. But the RR accused of match fixing scandal will tend to put extra scrutiny on their performance on as well as off the field.
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