Shane Warne turns out to be the real 'Baazigar', becomes owner of Rs 460 crore after selling Rajasthan Royals
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In an interview, Australia's legendary leg spinner Shane Warne had revealed that he had asked for 0.75 percent equity in RR for every season. Part of my deal was… they asked me to be the captain, coach and run the team as per my wish… I was a one-stop shop.” On the valuation of the franchise seven years ago, Warne had said, “Three per cent of $400 million is fine.”
Shane Warne's family will get approximately Rs 460 crore after the sale of Rajasthan Royals.
New Delhi. There are only a few days left for the Indian Premier League 2026 to start. Meanwhile, the sale of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore franchises has become the center of discussion. Rajasthan Royals, the champion of the first season of IPL, has been bought by the American consortium led by Kal Somani for $ 1.63 billion i.e. about Rs 15,290 crore. The valuation of RR is close to that of RCB at $1.78 billion. A decision taken by former Royals captain Shane Warne while playing for the team has cost his family a fortune.
Australia's legendary leg spinner Shane Warne had revealed that he had asked for 0.75 percent equity in RR for every season. Warne was not only the captain of the Royals but after retiring from international cricket, he was also a mentor and coach. Now that RR has been sold for such a huge amount, late Warne's family can get around Rs 460 crore (more than 70 million Australian dollars) under this deal.
In an interview with The Herald Sun in 2019, Warne had said, “Part of my deal was… they asked me to be the captain, coach and run the team as per my wish… I was a one-stop shop.” Seven years ago, on the valuation of the franchise, Warne had said, “Three percent of $400 million is fine.”
At present this transaction is subject to the approval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). After the 2026 season, the franchise will be handed over to the consortium led by Kal Somani. Warne's family has not yet responded to this matter. Not only Warne, but BCCI will also benefit greatly from this deal. BCCI will get five percent of this entire deal i.e. about Rs 765 crore.
What was the initial valuation of Rajasthan Royals?
It is noteworthy that in 2008, the consortium led by Manoj Badale had purchased the Rajasthan Royals franchise for $67 million. This lowest priced franchise performed brilliantly under the captaincy of Warne and won the title by defeating MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in the very first season. Before IPL 2026, RR has only one title in its name. The last time they came close to the trophy was in 2022 under the captaincy of Sanju Samson.
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