Credit: IPL
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owners British distillery Diageo Plc through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd. have delivered a statement following the media reports of the potential sale of the franchise doing rounds. A week back, RCB scripted history after lifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with the victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Following the success, RCB conducted a triumph celebration in Bengaluru, which resulted in a stampede leading to 11 deaths with over 50 people getting injured. Since then, RCB are trending in the media for unpleasant reasons.
On June 10, media reports started emerging that Diageo Plc are looking to sell a part or entire RCB franchise. As per CricBuzz, United Spirits Ltd. has reacted to these reports. Mital Sanghvi, United Spirits Ltd. Vice President of Treasury & Company Secretary, wrote to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the BSE Surveillance Department and denied the media claims. “The company would like to clarify that the aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussion. This is for your information and records,” read Mital’s letter.
RCB face criticism from former IPL chairman Lalit Modi
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has censured RCB and the Karnataka state government for the Bengaluru stampede. Speaking to IANS, he said, “First and foremost, my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede. This should never have happened. The entire event was poorly planned and executed."
Lalit also said that the event shouldn’t have been permitted without proper planning and the government authorities along with the RCB team management should’ve ensured fans’ safety before conducting the celebrations. “There is so much mudslinging and finger-pointing going on, but the issue is simple — the event should never have been allowed without proper arrangements in place. The authorities failed, and the team management should also have ensured fan safety before participating in the so-called celebrations," added Modi.
