Rajasthan Royals has written to Rajasthan government and the state’s Sports Council, requesting them to take strict action against Jaideep Bihani, the ad-hoc committee convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, following his allegations of match-fixing.
A BJP MLA from Sriganganagar, Bihani had questioned Royals’ performance against Lucknow Super Giants, where the Jaipur-based franchise lost by two runsand had indirectly accused the side of being involved in match-fixing.
Rajasthan Royals has written to the state sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the Sports Council refuting such allegations.
In the letter, the Royals have written (sic): “Jaideep Bihani, convener of the ad-hoc committee of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), has issued a statement regarding Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) performance in recent matches, Rajasthan Sports Council and BCCI. In which he has made comments raising doubts on the performance of Rajasthan Royals and hinting at manipulation in IPL matches.
“Jaideep Bihani has also accused Rajasthan Royals management, Rajasthan Sports Council and BCCI of colluding with each other to exclude RCA ad hoc from participating in IPL. Whereas in reality, all the allegations made by ad hoc committee convener Jaideep Bihani are completely false and baseless. There is no evidence for them…”
Strongly objecting to his statements, the franchise further added: “These public allegations cause great damage to the reputation and image of Rajasthan Royals. Such statements have unnecessarily escalated the controversy and also attempted to mislead the public. Along with this, Bihani has also worked to reduce the credibility of Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), Rajasthan Royals franchise, Rajasthan Sports Council and the BCCI, as well as cricket. Whereas we have been working successfully with the state association and state government as per the instructions of the BCCI for the last 18 years,” the letter mentioned.
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While speaking to News18 RajasthanBihani had expressed his displeasure with the fact that the Royals did not keep RCA ad-hoc committee in the loop while organising the IPL games in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Royals‘ Shimron Hetmyer reacts after losing his wicket in the final over against LSG.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Rajasthan Royals‘ Shimron Hetmyer reacts after losing his wicket in the final over against LSG.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
“This year, according to the BCCI, Rajasthan Sports Council has the rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur. Therefore, Rajasthan Royals is working closely with the BCCI and the Council under the guidance and support of the state government to organise the IPL smoothly,” the Royals wrote.
“We request the Sports Council and the State Government to take all necessary steps and actions to prevent and control such conduct. We are writing to you with full faith in your leadership. We hope that you will intervene appropriately in this matter…”
While sources in the Sports Council confirmed that it has received a letter from the IPL franchise, its president Neeraj K. Pawan wasn’t available for a comment on the future course of action at the time of publishing the story.
