Aryaman Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, has been appointed chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru following its acquisition by an Aditya Birla Group-led consortium. The deal, worth about $1.78 billion (₹16,700 crore), makes it one of the biggest in IPL history. Aryaman Birla, a former domestic cricketer who played for Madhya Pradesh and was picked by Rajasthan Royals, brings both business and cricketing experience. He has played nine first-class matches, scoring 414 runs, including a century. (PC: ESPN)

Reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced they will keep 11 seats empty during their next home match to honour victims of a recent stampede tragedy. The symbolic gesture aims to pay respect to those who lost their lives and raise awareness about crowd safety at large events. The franchise expressed solidarity with the affected families and emphasized the importance of stricter safety measures at public gatherings. The decision has been widely appreciated by fans and the cricketing community, highlighting how sports teams can use their platform to promote social responsibility and remembrance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been sold for over Rs 16,000 crore in a record IPL deal. A group led by the Aditya Birla Group bought the team from United Spirits. The deal is worth about $1.78 billion. It makes RCB the most expensive IPL franchise ever. Aryaman Vikram Birla will be chairman. Satyan Gajwani will be vice chairman. The new owners said they want to grow RCB into a global brand. RCB is also the current IPL champion. The deal shows the rising value of the IPL. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals was sold for around Rs 15,290 crore in another major deal. (PC: BCCI)

A US-led consortium headed by Kal Somani has acquired a majority stake in Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion (Rs 15,000 crore), setting a new valuation benchmark in the Indian Premier League. Backed by investors including Rob Walton, the deal marks a major private equity push into Indian sports. The sale, overseen by Raine Group, outbid rival consortiums. With this benchmark, Royal Challengers Bengaluru valuations are expected to exceed $2 billion amid intense bidding. Ownership transfer follows IPL 2026. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, remain focused on their upcoming season opener. (PC: X)

Rajasthan Royals have been sold to a US-led consortium for about Rs 15,000 crore, reports said. The deal values the franchise at $1.63 billion and sets a new benchmark in the IPL. The group is led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani and includes global investors. The sale followed weeks of bidding and was handled by an investment bank. Reports said the bid was preferred for its “strategic alignment and financial immediacy.” The ownership change will take effect after IPL 2026. Meanwhile, interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru has grown, with its valuation expected to cross $2 billion. (PC: India Today)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru said pacer Yash Dayal, who faces rape allegations, will not play in IPL 2026. He remains under contract with the team. Director of cricket Mo Bobat said, “Yash is going through a personal situation. He remains under contract, but he won't be with us this season.” Dayal has not joined training before the season. His absence is linked to ongoing legal cases. He took 13 wickets in RCB’s 2025 title-winning season. The team cannot sign a replacement as he is still contracted. RCB will depend on other bowlers to manage the season without him.

Hardik Pandya has revealed a deeply spiritual aspect of his life, saying he listens to the Hanuman Chalisa even while driving his luxury Ferrari. The India all-rounder stated that no song provides as much positive energy as the devotional hymn. The revelation came during a public interaction, surprising fans given his flamboyant lifestyle. Pandya emphasized faith as a source of strength ahead of upcoming cricket challenges, including leading Mumbai Indians, while balancing success, controversies, and expectations. (PC: X)

Virat Kohli has brushed aside viral rumours claiming he demanded chartered flights from Royal Challengers Bengaluru for frequent travel between India and London during IPL 2026. The speculation, triggered by a social media post, suggested Kohli wanted special travel access and family visits during match breaks. Responding in a light-hearted manner, Kohli posted laughing emojis on Instagram, effectively dismissing the claims. Fresh off RCB’s maiden IPL title, he has rejoined training and urged teammates to maintain intensity, as the franchise prepares to begin its new season campaign with renewed focus. (PC: Instagram)

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa said IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s last season with Chennai Super Kings. He said, “It is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey.” Uthappa added Dhoni may take a mentor role and bat lower in the order. “I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role,” he said. He backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as captain and said he needs time to grow. Sanju Samson’s arrival may add strength but not change leadership. CSK will begin their season against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. (PC: PTI)

Five members of Iran women's national football team have returned to Iran after dropping asylum bids in Australia. The squad travelled via Malaysia and Oman, landing in Igdir, Turkey, before crossing by coach. Players had initially sought humanitarian visas over fears of repercussions for remaining silent during the national anthem. Activists allege pressure through threats to families. Named players include Zahra Soltan Meshkehkar, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and captain Zahra Ghanbari. Two teammates granted sanctuary remain in Australia. Authorities earlier confirmed players were moved to safety, while Iran dismissed the episode as foreign interference. (PC: BBC)