Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly facing major hurdles in their planned $1.635 billion sale, as funding shortfall and regulatory scrutiny are delaying the process. The acquisition, led by United States entrepreneur Kal Somani, is stalled, creating uncertainty over the future ownership of franchises in the IPL.
The transaction involves a full buyout valued at $1.635 billion (INR 15,322 crore) and was expected to close after the IPL 2026 season. The consortium includes investors such as Rob Walton and Sheila Ford Hamp, but currently lacks firm financial commitments and confirmed funding support.
Rajasthan Royals face major uncertainty after $1.635 billion deal after explosive claims emerge
Harsh Goenka highlighted the uncertain situation surrounding the ongoing acquisition on social media. Responding to these developments, Gaurav Gupta revealed that based on insider information the transaction has been incomplete since the end of March.
“Rajasthan Royal deal in serious controversy! Will the old buyers unite or will a new buyer emerge soon?”.
a source in @RajasthanRoyals
On March 24 I was told that the deal was not done! https://t.co/AvIr8Pwkn1– Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) 3 May 2026
“A source at @RajasthanRoyals told me on March 24 that the deal was not done!”
Rajasthan Royals has emerged as a strong contender in IPL 2026. He is in fourth place with 12 points from nine matches. Under the leadership of Riyan Parag, the team has relied heavily on an aggressive batting approach to remain competitive in the tournament.
15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has scored 404 runs, which includes the second-fastest century in 36 balls and two fifties in 15 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal has added 312 runs, while Dhruv Jurel has contributed 290 runs. Ravindra Jadeja has played an important role with the ball by taking seven wickets.
Acquisition delayed due to investigation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India
The proposed $1.635 billion takeover of Rajasthan Royals has slowed down due to funding gaps and regulatory scrutiny. The Board of Control for Cricket in India flagged concerns during due diligence, particularly regarding previous ownership structures and consortium details, which further delayed the approval process.
Kal Somani has approached several large investment firms to secure capital, but no concrete commitments have been made yet. The lack of confirmed funding has pushed back the deadline, leaving the high-value deal incomplete after months of negotiations.
With uncertainty rising, existing promoters have begun talks with alternative investors to secure immediate funding. Reports indicate that Lakshmi Mittal’s family, led by Aditya Mittal, is back in the news after a previous bid of around $1.5 billion, marking a new twist in the ownership situation.
Raj Kundra legal dispute complicates sale of Rajasthan Royals
The proposed sale of Rajasthan Royals is facing complications due to a legal dispute involving former minority investor Raj Kundra. He approached the National Company Law Tribunal, alleging oppression and mismanagement, seeking restoration of his 11.7 per cent stake.
A United Kingdom court had earlier granted an anti-suit injunction barring Kundra from taking certain legal proceedings. This order is now being challenged in the Bombay High Court, where Justice Milind Jadhav has issued a notice to Emerging Media Ventures over the ongoing dispute.
Manoj Badale-led Royals Sports Group is confident of a positive outcome tomorrow despite talks involving Somani. However, funding issues, Board of Control for Cricket in India investigation and legal challenges are delaying finalizing the timeline.
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