IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals quash match-fixing allegations over narrow defeat to LSG

Rajasthan Royals lost their home game against Lucknow Super Giants by two runs.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have rejected allegations of match-fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. On Saturday, April 19, RR lost the 36th match of the tournament against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by two runs. Interestingly, RR had complete control of the match in the second innings. However, their batters goofed up in the final over as RR witnessed a surprising defeat.

RR had a 181-run target in the encounter at their home ground – Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave a stunning start in the chase with 85-run stand for the opening wicket. Riyan Parag also added 39 runs later.

RR needed nine runs for victory in the final over off Avesh Khan. However, the right-arm pacer picked one wicket and leaked only six runs to drive LSG to victory by two runs in the thrilling final over. Notably, RR lost the game despite losing just five wickets and ended with 178/5 on the scoreboard.

Rajasthan Royals rejects allegations of match-fixing

Later, Rajasthan MLA and convenor of Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad hoc committee, Jaideep Bihani, raised doubts over the defeat during a conversation with a news channel. During a chat with News18 Rajasthan, Bihani said, “On your home ground, with so few runs required in the final over, how do you lose? Something doesn’t add up.”

However, his comments did not go well with the RR franchise. In an official statement, they refused Bihani’s allegations and termed them as misleading. They also added that such claims hamper the integrity of the sport and the franchise’s reputation.

“We reject all allegations made by the convener of the ad hoc committee. Such public statements are not only misleading but have caused serious damage to the reputation and credibility of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI. They also tarnish the integrity of cricket,” RR said in an official statement.

Notably, RR also made an official complaint to IPL franchise management, the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and the Sports Secretary for strict action over the matter.

RR struggles continue in IPL 2025

Meanwhile, RR have shown a dismal form in the ongoing IPL 2025. They have won just two games out of eight and lost six matches. With four points, they take the eighth spot in the points table.

RR skipper Samson has battled injuries since the start of the season. Riyan Parag led the side in his absence in their last match against LSG. Samson is also set to miss RR’s next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) due to an abdominal injury. The encounter will take place on Thursday, April 24 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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