IPL 2019: Rajasthan Royals owner set to sell 50% franchise stake

It is learnt that the current franchise owners have already approached key BCCI officials and intimated them about the same.

Rajasthan Royals reached the playoffs last year under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane | Getty

Ahead of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League, the owners of Rajasthan Royals have decided to sell 50% of their stakes of the franchise for a financial boost.

It is learnt that the current franchise owners have already approached key BCCI officials and intimated them about the same. Manoj Badale is the principal owner of Rajasthan Royals.

"Yes, Rajasthan Royals are selling a major part of their stakes and the highest bidder will be getting it. What we have heard is that it is around fifty percent and some of the biggest business houses in the country are apparently interested in buying stakes," a senior BCCI official privy to the development was quoted as saying by PTI.

Report also claims that Sanjeev Goenka, a former IPL franchise owner and the owner of ATK in the Indian Super League, is one of the leading contenders to buy stakes in Rajasthan Royals. Goenka was the owner of now dysfunctional Rising Pune Supergiants. In IPL 2017, RPSG finished as runners-up after losing in the final against Mumbai Indians.

"Mr Goenka has always been interested in coming back after he had a fairly good but short stint in the IPL. His team made it to the finals in one of the years. Let's wait and watch how it all pans out," the official said.

Rajasthan Royals are one of the most successful IPL franchises, having secured the inaugural edition of the tournament. Under the captaincy of legendary Shane Warne, RR won the title in 2008 but have failed to lift the trophy ever since. Rajasthan qualified for the playoffs last year and was eliminated from the competition after losing to Kolkata Knight Riders.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jan, 2019

    Share Via