Lakshmi N. Mittal, known for steel, joined forces with his son Aditya plus Adar Poonawalla to take control of Rajasthan Royals – price tag: $1.65 billion – for cricket’s Indian league. This happened only after Kal Somani’s group stepped back suddenly. Trouble might be brewing though, says Cricbuzz in its latest update. Legal moves are expected soon, sources say, because the earlier bidders aren’t staying quiet. Morning conversations already took place involving lawyers and media advisors across America. We are deciding on our PR. A legal letter will be sent today,” said a source close to Somani. The source also stated that a letter will be sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the deal. The consortium is considering whether to go public with the controversy. “We will discuss it with our group if we are going to go public on the matter since litigation will be involved,” the source added.
“We had queries such as whether the BCCI dues were paid. We wanted to know the status of legal cases. There were hundreds of such questions. From our end, we have been ready to close for 10 days. There was a deliberate delay and then side dealings.”
“Lakshmi N. Mittal and Aditya Mittal today announce that a definitive agreement has been reached to acquire the Rajasthan Royals, in partnership with Adar Poonawalla, from Manoj Badale and consortium,” a press release issued by Mittal family stated.
Ownership details show the Mittal family taking about 75 per cent of Rajasthan Royals, while Adar Poonawalla secures close to 18 per cent. Though exact figures may shift slightly, the structure remains weighted heavily toward the Mittals. Meanwhile, Poonawalla’s stake stands clear but smaller in comparison. The split reflects a focused investment approach from both sides, yet control rests largely with one party. Behind the numbers, influence leans where ownership is deepest.
Most of the rest – about 7 per cent – goes to current investors who meet approval standards, such as Manoj Badale.
Out of London comes a new lineup for Rajasthan Royals. At its core sit names like Lakshmi N. Mittal, stepping in alongside Aditya Mittal. Vanisha Mittal-Bhatia joins too, linked through shared history. From Pune, Adar Poonawalla adds his presence. Rounding it out is Badale, holding quiet influence behind the scenes.
“Badale will continue to support Rajasthan Royals, acting as a bridge between the past and the present, and bringing his deep knowledge and experience of cricket to the franchise,” the release stated.
Besides fielding a squad in India’s league, the Rajasthan Royals back a team in South Africa called Paarl Royals. Another franchise under their name plays in the Caribbean, known as Barbados Royals.
Lakshmi N. Mittal, born in Sadulpur up north in Rajasthan, once remarked how fond he is of cricket – being tied to the region makes joining the Rajasthan Royals feel like a natural fit, more than any other IPL franchise could. His son Aditya added that what stands out about the Royals is their knack for nurturing fresh players, something close to his heart; because of that, they’re set on carrying forward that tradition by drawing top-tier skill globally when chasing wins ahead.
Gratitude goes out to every player, coach, and leader – alongside the loyal fans – for shaping Rajasthan Royals into what it stands for today. Adar Poonawalla, once linked with a bid for RCB, shared his excitement about joining forces with Aditya Mittal through this venture. The team carries deep roots in the IPL, backed by lasting impact; he now steps in ready to back its journey ahead. Badale, stepping back but staying close via the decision board, welcomed both families into ownership. Passion matters – and theirs runs true – to cricket, to Rajasthan, to India – with vision stretching far beyond the present
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