The Rajasthan Royals ownership saga has taken another dramatic turn, with the Kal Somani group finally breaking their silence after their high-profile bid to acquire the IPL franchise collapsed. The US-based consortium, which had been in advanced talks to take a majority stake in the 2008 champions, expressed deep disappointment as the deal unraveled in spectacular fashion.
In a story that has captivated the cricketing world, what initially seemed like a done deal in March 2025—when reports emerged that tech entrepreneur Kal Somani had agreed a $1.63 billion purchase—quickly soured. Barely a month later, the agreement fell apart, paving the way for the Mittal family and businessman Adar Poonawalla to step in as the new owners.
The new ownership structure sees the Mittal family acquiring approximately 75% of the franchise, with Poonawalla holding around 18%. The remaining 7% will stay with approved existing investors, including current co-owner Manoj Badale. For context, this represents a staggering return on investment since the franchise was bought for just $67 million in 2008—a testament to the IPL's explosive growth in valuation over the past 17 years.
But the drama doesn't end there. Following the collapse of their bid, sources close to the Somani group revealed they had immediately convened urgent consultations with their legal team in the United States. "We have had calls this morning with legal and PR in the USA. We are deciding on our PR. A legal letter will be sent today," a source told Cricbuzz. There are also indications that a formal complaint may be directed at the BCCI, cricket's governing body in India.
The official line suggests that Somani failed to make payment within the agreed one-month exclusivity window, effectively voiding his status as the preferred buyer. However, the Somani camp has pushed back, with both sides pointing fingers over who is responsible for the deal's collapse. With legal threats now on the table, this Rajasthan Royals ownership battle looks far from over—and the franchise's fans may have to wait a little longer before knowing who will truly be calling the shots in Jaipur.
