IPL News Bulletin March 14: RCB $2B valuation battle, Dhoni IPL future, Muzarabani joins KKR

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With IPL 2026 approaching, off-field developments across franchise ownership, global leagues and player movements are beginning to dominate cricket headlines. The sport's financial ecosystem is evolving quickly, with billion-dollar franchise valuations, cross-league ownership dynamics and roster reshuffles shaping the build-up to the new season.

Here are the key cricket headlines.

1. RCB ownership battle intensifies as franchise valuation nears $2 billion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's ownership situation has entered a decisive phase, with Swedish private equity firm EQT Group reportedly preparing a binding bid that could value the franchise between $2 billion and $2.1 billion.

The March 16 deadline for binding bids has turned what began as a strategic review into a high-stakes contest for one of the IPL's most valuable assets.

RCB is currently owned by United Spirits Ltd., a subsidiary of Diageo, which announced in November 2025 that it was reviewing its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited - the entity that operates both the men's IPL team and the women's WPL side.

The growing interest from private equity firms highlights how IPL franchises are increasingly being viewed as premium sports-media businesses with massive global value.

2. KKR sign Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani for IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for IPL 2026.

The 6-foot-8 pacer arrives after an impressive T20 World Cup campaign where he picked up 13 wickets as Zimbabwe reached the Super Eights. Only Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy finished with more wickets in the tournament.

Muzarabani, who has taken 106 wickets in 89 T20Is, has previously featured in leagues such as the CPL, ILT20, PSL and Vitality Blast.

This will be his second stint in the IPL after he briefly joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement player during their title-winning IPL 2025 campaign. He is expected to link up with the KKR squad in Kolkata on March 17.

3. BCCI clarifies stance on Sunrisers Leeds signing Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred

The BCCI has said it has no authority over the Sunrisers franchise signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified that overseas leagues fall outside the board's jurisdiction and the decision lies entirely with the franchise.

Sunrisers Leeds, owned by the same group as IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad, signed Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 during the auction. The move triggered strong reactions on social media in India, but the BCCI maintained it cannot interfere with recruitment decisions in foreign leagues.

4. Southern Brave also considered Pakistani players in The Hundred auction

Southern Brave head coach Hemang Badani has revealed that his franchise had also shortlisted Pakistani players during The Hundred auction.

Badani said the team evaluated several Pakistani cricketers before eventually signing England leg-spinner Adil Rashid instead.

His comments came amid the controversy surrounding Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Abrar Ahmed, which made the spinner the first Pakistani player to be picked by an Indian-owned franchise in the competition.

5. Irfan Pathan believes IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni's final season

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that IPL 2026 may mark the final chapter of MS Dhoni's IPL career.

Pathan said it would be difficult to imagine Chennai Super Kings or the IPL itself without Dhoni, who has been a part of the league since its inaugural season in 2008.

He also added that Dhoni will continue to play a key role in mentoring the next generation of CSK leaders, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and other young players within the squad.

6. Sunrisers Leeds signing Abrar Ahmed sparks social media backlash

Sunrisers Leeds' decision to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred has triggered criticism on social media.

Many fans questioned the move due to the strained political relationship between India and Pakistan. Abrar, currently one of the top-ranked T20 bowlers, was bought for £190,000 during the auction.

The franchise's official X (formerly Twitter) account was also briefly suspended after the signing announcement, although the platform did not provide a specific reason.

As IPL 2026 draws closer, cricket's landscape continues to shift beyond the boundary rope - with global investment interest, franchise strategy and player movement shaping the next phase of the sport's biggest league.