Rajasthan Royals: Highs, lows and a turbulent legacy - a timeline
From the cheapest IPL franchise to one of its most controversial, Rajasthan Royals’ journey has been marked by success, scandals and ownership battles. On March 24, after months of discussions, a Kal Somani-led consortium, backed by American businessman Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, which owns the Ford Motor Company, bought 100 percent of the franchise for $1.63 billion.
On Tuesday, a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani acquired 100 percent ownership of the Rajasthan Royals for $1. 63 billion. The consortium includes Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, which owns the Ford Motor Company.
The new ownership will come into effect after the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Here's a timeline of the Rajasthan Royals 2008: The beginning Rajasthan Royals were acquired for $67 million by Emerging Media, making them the cheapest team in the inaugural Indian Premier League season. The franchise was led by Manoj Badale, with investors including Lachlan Murdoch, Aditya S Chellaram and Suresh Chellaram.
The Shane Warne-led team ended up winning the inaugural IPL trophy. 2009: Celebrity entry Actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra reportedly bought an 11. 7 percent stake for $15.
4 million, bringing glamour and visibility to the franchise. 2010: Ownership controversy erupts Rajasthan Royals challenged the Board of Control for Cricket in India in the Bombay High Court after their contract was terminated. The BCCI alleged unauthorised changes in shareholding without approval.