Another IPL Franchise Faces Match-Fixing Allegations

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Rajasthan Royals (RR), is facing serious allegations of match-fixing following a two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee, and a BJP MLA from Sri Ganganagar, claimed the April 19 match at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium was “fixed,” asserting that “even a kid” would suspect foul play after RR failed to chase nine runs in the final over bowled by LSG’s Avesh Khan.

RR, led by stand-in captain Riyan Parag in the absence of injured regular skipper Sanju Samson, were cruising at 156/2, needing 25 runs off 18 balls. Avesh dismissed key batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Parag, and despite having Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Shubham Dubey, RR faltered, scoring only six runs in the last over.

Bihani also criticized RR for excluding the RCA from IPL management, alleging that the Zila Parishad (district council) usurped control despite BCCI’s initial communication with the RCA. “The excuse of no MOU for Sawai Mansingh Stadium is baseless,” he said, noting RR’s payments to the Zila Parishad per match. The RCA’s ad hoc committee, appointed by the Rajasthan government, has been extended for a fifth term to oversee competitions.

RR, languishing in eighth place, dismissed the claims as “baseless” and lodged complaints with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister and Sports Minister. The franchise faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru next on April 24. The allegations, evoking RR’s 2013 spot-fixing scandal, demand a thorough probe to restore trust in the IPL.