Rajasthan Royals ₹1,528 Crore Sale Sparks Big Reaction From Sourav Ganguly on IPL

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has described the reported $1.63 billion sale of Rajasthan Royalsas "mind-boggling," calling it a reflection of the Indian Premier League's massive global growth and expanding international investor interest.

The Rajasthan Royals franchise was reportedly sold to a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani, with participation from members of the Walmart and Ford families. The deal, expected to take effect after IPL 2026, marks one of the highest valuations ever recorded for a cricket franchise.

Reacting to the development, Ganguly said the scale of the deal highlights how far the IPL has come since its early years.

"The numbers are mind-boggling numbers for a sports franchise and a cricket team which plays three months a year. So, it's mind-boggling numbers but great news for Indian cricket and the way forward," Ganguly said.

Sourav Ganguly Reflects On IPL's Growth After Rajasthan Royals Sale

Ganguly, who featured in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, reflected on the league's beginnings and its remarkable financial rise over the years.

"When it started in 2007, as I said I played the first ball of the IPL in 2008 RCB versus KKR. To see IPL grow to this heights, this is phenomenal and it also goes to show the game expanding."

He also highlighted the significance of international investors entering the IPL ecosystem, particularly from the United States.

"Some of the buyers are from America and the game going to that part of the world with interest, especially Indian cricket, is fantastic."

IPL Broadcast Value Rivals Global Football Leagues

Ganguly further suggested that the IPL's commercial strength now rivals some of the biggest sporting competitions worldwide, particularly in broadcasting value.

"I think it's as big. The broadcast rights are as big as anywhere in the world even with football."

He also pointed out the contrast between the IPL's shorter duration and its enormous financial footprint compared to longer leagues.

"To get this much attention when the IPL runs only for about two and a half months is phenomenal."

With the Rajasthan Royals deal setting a new financial benchmark, Ganguly's remarks underline the IPL's transformation into one of the world's most commercially powerful sporting leagues.