Adar Poonawalla's Tweet Sparks RCB Ownership Buzz

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, has sparked significant interest in the IPL world with his recent social media activity regarding the potential acquisition of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Rumors began circulating around September 26, 2025, when reports from CNBC-TV18 suggested that Poonawalla might be in negotiations with Diageo Plc, the current owners of RCB. The discussions revolve around a proposed valuation of $2 billion for the franchise, making it one of the most valuable teams in the league, as highlighted by Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Valuation Study 2025. This revelation suggests that Diageo may consider an outright sale of their stake in RCB, although they have not confirmed their intentions publicly, as indicated by their spokesperson who declined to comment on market speculation. Further fueling the rumors, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi recently suggested that the franchise may be removed from Diageo’s balance sheet, implying a possible sale. Modi’s comments on X emphasized the appeal of acquiring an entire ownership stake in a team that boasts a strong fan base and a successful management team. The potential sale comes on the heels of RCB’s recent IPL title victory, which brightened the franchise's marketability. However, the excitement is muted by the tragic incident at a post-victory celebration where 11 people lost their lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. As investors and fans keep a close watch, it remains to be seen whether Poonawalla will indeed take a significant step into the world of cricket team ownership.