Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has strongly denied speculation suggesting he is interested in acquiring the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The rumors, which began circulating after RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win, prompted an emphatic response from the senior Congress leader who has also served as a prominent figure in Karnataka’s cricketing circles.
In a recent media interaction, Shivakumar humorously dismissed the reports, saying, “Why do I need RCB? I don’t even drink Royal Challenge,” a witty remark referencing the brand that originally inspired the franchise’s name. While his words were laced with humour, the intent was serious—he made it clear that there were no plans or discussions of any kind involving him or his associates purchasing the team.
Shivakumar added that while he is a long-time member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), his current responsibilities as Deputy Chief Minister leave him with no time or interest in pursuing ownership of a high-profile cricket franchise. He also revealed that though some people had approached him regarding potential involvement with RCB’s management, he had politely declined, citing a lack of interest and the need to focus on governance and public responsibilities.
The rumors had gained traction particularly in the wake of reports that Diageo India, the current owners of RCB, were exploring the possibility of selling the franchise following its maiden IPL championship. However, Diageo issued an official clarification through the Bombay Stock Exchange, firmly stating that no such discussions were underway and labeling the rumors “purely speculative.”
The buzz around RCB’s ownership emerged at a time when the franchise had finally broken its long-standing title drought. Their victory in the 2025 IPL final was a moment of massive celebration not just for the fans, but for the city of Bengaluru itself. The franchise, which had long carried the tag of underachievers despite boasting star-studded lineups over the years, managed to script a fairy-tale campaign this season, ending years of heartbreak.
Amid the celebrations, however, tragedy struck when a crowd crush during a public event in Bengaluru resulted in multiple fatalities, casting a dark shadow over the joyous occasion. This led to public scrutiny of state authorities, prompting both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to review public safety protocols around mass events. In this sensitive context, the rumors of Shivakumar turning to cricket franchise ownership seemed especially misplaced.