Rajasthan Royals sale faces legal challenge as ownership dispute emerges

A consortium comprising Lakshmi Mittal, Aditya Mittal, and Adar Poonawalla has finalised an agreement to acquire the franchise along with its sister teams

MUMBAI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 5^th, 2026) A major controversy has surfaced over the proposed sale of Rajasthan Royals, with a US-based group preparing to challenge the deal in court.

A consortium comprising Lakshmi Mittal, Aditya Mittal, and Adar Poonawalla has finalised an agreement to acquire the franchise along with its sister teams. However, the development has triggered a fresh dispute.

A group led by US-based investor Kal Somani is reportedly planning to contest the deal legally. Sources indicate that the group has initiated consultations on both legal and media strategies, and formal notices could be issued soon.

The emerging dispute may also require intervention from the board of Control for cricket in India, given its regulatory role in the league.

Under the agreement, the franchise has been valued at $1.65 billion (approximately INR 15,660 crore). As per the proposed ownership structure, the Mittal family will hold a 75% stake, while Adar Poonawalla will own 18%. The remaining 7% stake will stay with existing shareholders, including team founder Manoj Badale.

Further developments are expected as the legal challenge unfolds.