Royals match-fixing allegation: Battle for IPL tickets takes centre-stage

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have objected to match-fixing allegations made by Jaydeep Bihani, convener of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad-hoc committee. In a strongly worded letter, carrying subject line "reporting defamatory content", the franchise highlights how the comments undermine the team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the game of cricket.
"The statements made by the convener are without any evidence and serve only to stir unnecessary controversy. They undermine not just the Royals but also Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), the Rajasthan Sports Council, the BCCI, and the game of cricket itself,” reads the letter written by the franchise.
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Bihani, who is the sitting MLA for Sri Ganganagar, had claimed that the recent match, where RR lost to Lucknow Super Giants by two runs in a last-over thriller, was fixed. When contacted, a senior BCCI official rubbished the claims and asserted it could well be because of the upcoming RCA elections.

"The RCA is currently dissolved. An ad-hoc committee has been formed, and with the elections approaching, there is a lot of drama. Everyone wants attention. The BCCI has an anti-corruption unit working 24x7 to keep bad elements away from the game. There is no truth to these allegations," said the BCCI official on condition of anonymity.

Rajasthan Royals are not happy with the comments and it is understood that tickets could be the root cause behind it. It is understood that RCA used to get 1800 tickets for every home game but this time the number has been reduced to around 1000-1200. Complimentary tickets was also the reason for a now-resolved row between the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"At the start of the season, the BCCI gave us a clear guideline that since the RCA is dissolved, we would be dealing with the

Rajasthan State Sports Council

(RSSC) for all arrangements," said a RR insider.
"The disgruntled member of the RCA ad-hoc committee and his associates are demanding an exorbitant amount of tickets, and we are not entertaining them. This is the sole reason behind all this drama," they added.

The BJP MLA has further accused the franchise of preventing the RCA from being involved in the management of the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
"The ad-hoc committee was appointed by the Rajasthan state government and its term has been extended for the fifth time. We ensure all competitions take place without any issues. However, as soon as the IPL came, the Zila Parishad (district council) took control. For the IPL, the BCCI initially sent a letter to the RCA, not the Zila Parishad. The excuse given by them and RR is that we don’t have an MOU from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Even if an MOU isn't there, so what? Aren’t you paying the Zila Parishad for every match?" Bihani was quoted as saying by News18 Rajasthan.
However, in the letter, the Royals stated that the BCCI guidelines are the reason for not involving the RCA in the local matches.

"As per the contractual requirements and BCCI directions, we are to work with the state association and the state government. RMPL has effectively and successfully done this for the last 18 years. The BCCI has confirmed and approved that the RSSC has the hosting rights for IPL matches in Jaipur. The franchisee is working hand-in-hand with the BCCI and RSSC under the guidance and support of the State Government to ensure a successful IPL season.
"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the support being extended by the RSSC and the state government. As you are aware, RMPL and its team are working tirelessly to make the matches in Jaipur a grand success. In this context, we would deeply appreciate any assistance in fostering a supportive environment that allows all stakeholders to remain focused on delivering a world-class tournament experience. We believe this will help uplift morale and further strengthen the positive momentum around the IPL in Rajasthan."
RR will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an away match on Thursday. RR's next home match is against Gujarat Titans on April 28.