Kal Somani Acquires Rajasthan Royals: RR Sold, New Rajasthan Royals Owner, Shane Warne Legacy 2026

Kal Somani Acquires Rajasthan Royals: RR Sold, New Rajasthan Royals Owner, Shane Warne Legacy & All IPL 2026 Updates

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season kickoff, the BCCI has formally approved the sale of Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a Mumbai-based consortium led by billionaire entrepreneur Kal Somani, ending 15 years of the original ownership group’s tenure. The landmark ₹4,300 crore (\$518M) deal has sent shockwaves through cricket communities in India and Pakistan, with fans searching frantically for confirmations on RR sold updates, Kal Somani Rajasthan Royals deal terms, the new Rajasthan Royals owner, and what the shift means for the franchise’s iconic Shane Warne-led legacy.

RR Sold: BCCI Officially Approves Kal Somani’s Rajasthan Royals Acquisition

The BCCI’s franchise acquisition committee signed off on the Rajasthan Royals sold deal on March 22, 2026, following a 3-month due diligence process. The original ownership group, led by Manoj Badale, announced their intent to divest from IPL in late 2025 to focus on their global T20 league assets in the US and UAE.

The deal marks the second-highest valuation ever for an IPL franchise, only behind the 2025 sale of Mumbai Indians for ₹4,800 crore. Kal Somani-led consortium beat bids from 4 other major business houses, including a Pakistan-based FMCG group that placed a last-minute bid of ₹4,100 crore, per BCCI sources.

The acquisition makes Rajasthan Royals Kal Somani’s first IPL franchise, adding to his existing cricket portfolio that includes 3 years of ownership of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) Karachi Kings.

Who Is Kal Somani? All About The New Rajasthan Royals Owner

47-year-old Kal Somani is a Mumbai-based tech and FMCG tycoon with a net worth of \$2.7 billion, per Forbes’ 2026 Rich List. His flagship company, Somani Consumer Goods, has a dominant market share in fast-moving consumer goods across India and Pakistan, with a customer base of over 300 million across both countries.

In his first official statement after the acquisition, Somani said: “Rajasthan Royals is more than just a cricket team – it’s a brand that unites fans across borders. I have loved RR since the first IPL season, and I am honored to carry forward its legacy as the new Rajasthan Royals owner.”

Shane Warne’s Enduring Legacy At Rajasthan Royals: New Ownership’s Tribute Plans

No conversation about RR is complete without mentioning Shane Warne, the late Australian cricket legend who captained Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural IPL title in 2008, turning the underdog franchise into a fan favorite across India and Pakistan. Warne remained the face of RR until his untimely death in 2022, and fans have long feared a change in ownership would erase his legacy.

Somani has moved quickly to reassure fans, announcing three major tributes to Warne ahead of IPL 2026:

• A permanent Shane Warne memorial at RR’s home ground, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, open to all fans
• A ₹50 crore Shane Warne Youth Cricket Development Program, offering training to young cricketers in Rajasthan (India) and Sindh (Pakistan)
• A permanent “Warne 23” patch on all RR match jerseys for the 2026 and future seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The BCCI formally approved the RR sold deal on March 22, 2026, making Kal Somani Rajasthan Royals’ new owner ahead of IPL 2026.

Billionaire Kal Somani is the new Rajasthan Royals owner, after leading a consortium that bought the franchise for ₹4,300 crore.

Shane Warne was the first captain of Rajasthan Royals, leading the underdog team to win the inaugural IPL title in 2008. He remained the face of the franchise until his death in 2022.

Rajasthan Royals sold for ₹4,300 crore (\$518 million), the second-highest valuation ever for an IPL franchise.