Tensions flared between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) after RCA’s ad hoc committee convener, Jaydeep Bihani, questioned the legitimacy of the team’s narrow 2-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. Bihani insinuated potential foul play, prompting the franchise to escalate the matter to state authorities, including the Chief Minister, demanding action against him.
The franchise vehemently denied the allegations, with senior official Deep Roy labeling them as “false and baseless.” Bihani further accused RR, the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI of sidelining RCA’s committee from IPL operations, deepening the rift.
The Royals’ management issued a sharp rebuttal, “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.”
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Highlighting their 18-year collaboration with state bodies, RR stressed adherence to BCCI protocols, clarifying that the Rajasthan Sports Council holds official hosting rights for Jaipur’s IPL matches this season. The franchise emphasized coordination with the Council and BCCI under state government guidance to ensure smooth tournament operations.
Bihani, however, countered, alleging exclusion of RCA’s committee from event organization: “The Sports Council is conspiring against sports interests by keeping the ad hoc committee formed by the government away from the IPL match… They did not even make accreditation cards for the members related to the event.” He underscored RCA’s prior experience in hosting ICC-BCCI events, accusing the Council of undermining their role.
The dispute underscores broader friction between cricketing bodies and franchise interests, with credibility and administrative control at the heart of the conflict.
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