Indian industrialist and Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO, Adar Poonawalla, has officially shown interest in acquiring the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). For the first time, amid speculations about RCB's potential sale post-IPL 2025, Poonawalla has personally responded to the matter.
Adar Poonawalla announced on social media platform X, on January 22, 'I am preparing to make a strong and competitive bid for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the coming months. It is one of the finest teams in the IPL.'
Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched their first IPL title after a long-awaited 17 years. Following the victory, the franchise's owners considered selling the team. RCB's owner, Diageo, aims to capitalize on the massive fan following that has surged after winning titles across both men's and women's teams.
Reports indicate Diageo seeks to complete the sale by March 31, 2026. In a letter to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Diageo referred to this process as a 'strategic review' of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of United Spirits Ltd.
Speculation about RCB's sale first intensified after former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi's Instagram post in September 2025. Lalit Modi mentioned there were many rumors regarding the sale of an IPL franchise, particularly Royal Challengers Bangalore. While many offers were previously rejected, he suggested that the owners have probably decided to sell.
He further stated that a team with strong brand value like RCB could set a new record valuation and establish a new benchmark for the future of the IPL.
Who is Adar Poonawalla?
Adar Poonawalla is one of India's most renowned and influential industrialists. He is the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer. Additionally, he is the Chairman of Poonawalla Fincorp. His significant contributions to vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic brought him global recognition. Following this, he made substantial investments in the finance, real estate, and entertainment sectors. Reports estimate the Poonawalla family's total wealth at approximately $22.1 billion.
The journey of IPL remains incomplete without the mention of RCB and its passionate fans who continue to fill the stadiums with unmatched energy and enthusiasm.
