The late Shane Warne played for the Royals from 2008 to 2011.
Following the sale of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani for USD 1.63 billion (approximately ₹15,290 crore), former Australian cricketer Shane Warne’s masterstroke investment has come to the fore.
After retiring from international cricket following the 2006-07 Ashes triumph, Warne returned to the field through the inaugural IPL season in 2008. RR entrusted the legendary spinner with full authority, allowing him to operate as captain, coach, and mentor.
In return, Warne reportedly negotiated a unique deal: a salary of USD 657,000 plus a 0.75% ownership stake for every season he played. After playing and captaining for four seasons (2008–2011), he accumulated a 3% equity stake in the franchise.
“Part of my deal… they asked me to be the captain, coach and run a cricket team the way I wanted… I was the one-stop shop,” Warne had said in an interview with The Herald Sun in 2019.
At the time of the interview, when the franchise valuation was roughly USD 400 million, Warne has remarked, "Three per cent of USD 400+ million is all right," expressing confidence that the valuation would rise further.
As it turned out, RR’s valuation grew exponentially and the franchise was sold for USD 1.63 billion on Tuesday (March 24), making Warne's 3% stake worth approximately INR 450–460 crore (roughly USD 48-49 million).
While the deal has been signed, the formal takeover will only take effect after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, subject to BCCI approval.
With Shane Warne’s demise in 2022, this financial legacy will pass to his children—Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.