In a significant development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has officially become the chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026, following the financial scandals that plagued former owner Vijay Mallya.
The acquisition of RCB by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone marks a historic moment, with the franchise valued at a staggering $1.78 billion (approximately INR 166.6 billion). This sale underscores the growing financial clout of cricket franchises in India.
Vijay Mallya, who originally purchased RCB in 2008 for INR 450 crores, faced significant backlash due to his financial mismanagement, leading to his exit from the franchise. His tenure saw the team struggle for success, although they finally clinched their first IPL trophy in 2025, becoming the defending champions in 2026.
As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the atmosphere is charged with excitement. Rajat Patidar, the current captain, leads the team into a new era under Thomas’s leadership.
Vijay Mallya expressed mixed feelings about the sale, stating, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project.” His vision, however, has now culminated in a record-breaking sale.
In a statement reflecting on the transition, Mallya noted, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.” This sentiment resonates with fans who have long awaited a championship win.
The new ownership group is expected to bring fresh investment and strategic direction to RCB, aiming to build on the momentum of their recent success. As the IPL season kicks off, the focus will be on how Thomas and his team will navigate the challenges ahead.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific plans for RCB under the new ownership, but the cricketing community is eager to see how this change will impact the franchise’s future.
With the IPL 2026 season underway, all eyes will be on RCB as they defend their title and seek to solidify their place among the elite teams in Indian cricket.
