Hurt by the damaging statements directed against its players’ alleged spot-fixing in IPL 2012, Rajasthan Royals said: “these are completely unfounded and are refuted. RR will take legal action in the event of such defamatory statements continuing to be made by any person. RR has noted the statements which have been made today, including by Ajit Chandila’s lawyer, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, suggesting that it was aware of such matters.”
Further, RR’s CEO Raghu Iyer said in a release that the RR owners, management, captain, coach and players and staff are shocked and disappointed by the spot-fixing issue, which has caused immense distress to them. “RR has launched a comprehensive internal investigation and will make all information available to the authorities to assist with any on-going inquiries. RR is closely coordinating with the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council to take whatever steps may be necessary in the current situation.”
Mr. Raghu also said that RR has taken note of the statements which suggest that there have been other related instances in the past. “RR absolutely confirms that it has never had any knowledge of any such matters. RR works closely with the ACSU and it has always fully complied with all of its related obligations as a participant in the IPL. RR players are fully aware of the zero-tolerance approach of the franchise with regard to corruption and have obligations in that regard through their player contracts with IPL and the franchise.’’
Finally, RR said that it has suffered enormously as a result of the alleged actions of these players (S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila) and it will fully support the BCCI and other authorities in rooting out this evil from the game of cricket.