The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has taken a dramatic turn mid-season with serious match-fixing allegations leveled against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), a team already walking a tightrope in terms of on-field performance. Jaideep Bihani, the convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee, has openly accused the franchise of match-fixing after their recent controversial defeats.
What Sparked the Allegations?
Rajasthan Royals suffered narrow and puzzling losses against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, raising eyebrows over their sudden collapses despite being in commanding positions. Their most recent defeat to LSG, where RR fell short by just two runs in a chase that seemed well within grasp, was the tipping point. The RCA ad hoc committee convenor questioned the nature of the defeats, suggesting foul play might have been involved.
Speaking to the media, Jaideep Bihani raised strong concerns:
“How can a team lose from such a winning position at home? Something doesn’t add up. The franchise isn’t allowing RCA to get involved in management and there’s no proper MoU either. It raises a lot of questions,” he said.
Can RR Be Banned Again?
The pressing question now is — can RR face another IPL ban if found guilty of match-fixing? The answer is yes. If the IPL Governing Council or the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) launches an investigation and finds credible evidence that the Rajasthan Royals deliberately underperformed or were involved in corrupt activities, the consequences could be severe.
Precedent: The 2016 and 2017 Suspension
This is not the first time RR has found itself in troubled waters. The franchise was banned for two seasons (2016 and 2017) due to its involvement in the infamous 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, which also involved Chennai Super Kings. The 2015 Lodha Committee ruling found owners of both franchises guilty of corrupt practices and suspended them from the league for violating IPL’s code of conduct and anti-corruption norms.
What Happens If Found Guilty in 2025?
If an investigation confirms any wrongdoing in 2025, here’s what could follow:
- Immediate suspension from the ongoing season.
- Multi-year ban, similar to the 2016–2017 incident.
- Monetary fines and loss of sponsorship deals.
- Lifetime bans or suspensions for involved players or team officials.
- Loss of auction privileges or future participation rights.
Such outcomes would not only damage RR’s reputation further but also question the credibility of the tournament. IPL, being one of the most-watched T20 leagues globally, cannot afford to overlook such grave accusations.
Final Verdict: What’s Next?
As of now, these are allegations, and no formal inquiry or charges have been announced by the IPL Governing Council or BCCI. However, if the RCA’s concerns gain traction and are picked up by the ACU or higher authorities, the Rajasthan Royals could face intense scrutiny. The ball is now in the BCCI’s court — whether they choose to investigate or let it pass under the radar.
For a franchise that’s already struggling on the field and now facing off-field chaos, the future looks uncertain unless they clear their name swiftly and transparently.
