Pharma magnate Adar Poonawalla announced his intention to place a robust bid for ownership of the IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India and Chairman of Poonawalla Fincorp, expressed his plans in a social media post.
The parent company of United Spirits Ltd, Diageo, initiated the sale of RCB last year, valued at approximately 105 million USD. This decision followed a tragic incident during RCB’s IPL victory celebration that resulted in the loss of 11 fans in June 2025.
United Spirits Ltd’s Managing Director & CEO, Praveen Someshwar, highlighted that the sale of RCB aligns with the company’s strategy to focus on its core alcohol business. The move aims to enhance long-term value for stakeholders while considering the best interests of RCB.
RCB, the recent IPL title holders, is contemplating relocating their home matches for the upcoming 2026 season. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur are being considered as alternative venues.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association has advocated for RCB to continue playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Besides Poonawalla, Hombale Films, owned by Vijay Kiragandur, is also a potential contender for acquiring the franchise, though no official statement has been released.
RCB, a founding team of the IPL since 2008, boasts a rich history with cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble, and AB de Villiers associated with the franchise.
