In a groundbreaking development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has officially taken over as the chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026. This transition comes in the wake of financial scandals involving former owner Vijay Mallya, who had been at the helm since 2008.
The acquisition of RCB by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has set a new record, with the franchise valued at an astonishing $1.78 billion, or INR 166.6 billion. This marks a significant leap from the INR 450 crores Mallya initially paid for the franchise nearly two decades ago.
RCB’s journey has been tumultuous, with the team finally clinching their first IPL trophy in 2025, a momentous achievement that brought joy to their loyal fanbase. As the defending champions of IPL 2026, the stakes are high for the team, led by captain Rajat Patidar, as they prepare for the new season.
Vijay Mallya, reflecting on his time with RCB, stated, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project.” His tenure has been marked by both highs and lows, culminating in a bittersweet farewell as he hands over the reins to Thomas.
As the IPL 2026 season opener kicks off at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the atmosphere is electric. Mallya expressed his sentiments, saying, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.”
With the new ownership, RCB fans are eager to see how Thomas will steer the franchise into a new era, especially after the tumultuous past. The support from the consortium is expected to bring fresh investment and strategic direction to the team.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the transition in ownership is not just a change in leadership but a potential turning point for RCB. The new management’s vision and approach will be crucial as they aim to build on the success of the previous season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future plans of the new ownership, but the excitement surrounding the upcoming season is palpable. Fans are hopeful that this new chapter will bring sustained success and stability to the franchise.
As RCB steps into this new phase, the legacy of Vijay Mallya will undoubtedly linger, but the focus now shifts to Amrit Thomas and his team, who are tasked with elevating RCB to new heights in the IPL.
