Rajasthan Royals face legal action over alleged fraud in $1.65 billion deal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) started their IPL 2026 campaign on an impressive note and are currently sitting on the fourth spot on the IPL points table, despite four losses. Ahead of IPL 2026, RR, who was acquired by a consortium led by American investor Kal Somani for a whopping $1.65 billion (approximately Rs 15, 600 crore), have been in headlines with reports suggesting that the investors are likely to take legal action against RR management

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Arizona-based businessman Kal Somani along with Walmart’s Rob Walton is reportedly upset after missing out on the deal. As per reports, the Somani-led group was on the verge of finalising a $1.63 billion agreement. They allege that while talks were progressing the RR management deliberately delayed the paperwork and ultimately went ahead with a separate deal involving Mittal and Adar Poonawalla without their knowledge.

Rajasthan Royals previous owner has come under the spotlight

A joint statement released on Sunday by all parties involved in the acquisition said that the Mittal family had “reached” a “definitive agreement to acquire” the entire Rajasthan Royals franchise portfolio from its previous owner, Manoj Badale, and his consortium, “Following completion, the Mittal family will own approximately 75% of Rajasthan Royals, with Adar Poonawalla holding approximately 18%,” the statement said.

The statement further read, “The remaining approximately 7% will be held by approved existing investors, including Manoj Badale.”

Amid the ongoing controvery, the role of RR’s current owner Manoj Badale has also come under the spotlight. According to reports the American consortium was aiming for complete ownership of the franchise and planned to remove the existing management setup.

Badale wanted to have both his stake and a key operational role in the new structure. His presence as a “bridge” figure in the eventual deal with Mittal and Adar Poonawalla reflects that intent something the American group was not willing to accept.

Rajasthan Royals ownership transfer might be put on hold temporarily

The matter might get escalated further as the consortium led by Kal Somani is likely to send a formal legal notice soon. The notice is expected to be addressed not just to the Rajasthan Royals management, but also to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The consortium revealed that their deal was fully in place. However, it alleges that it was intentionally held up in procedural delays. Legal experts suggest that if the dispute moves to court, the ownership transfer might be put on hold temporarily. If any irregularities come under the scanner the record-breaking Rs 15,560 crore deal between Mittal and Poonawalla could face serious uncertainty.