In a major development for Indian Premier League (IPL), Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed Chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The announcement was made shortly after a consortium led by Aditya Birla Group acquired the franchise in March 2026 in a deal worth approximately $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore), making it one of the most expensive transactions in cricket history.
A historic deal gave a new shape to RCB
The acquisition proved to be a turning point for RCB, with ownership transferred to United Spirits Limited For a global association of investors. The deal covers both the men’s IPL team and the women’s team competing in it Women’s Premier League (WPL)The franchise underlines the growing commercial strength of cricket.
With rising valuations and interest from global investors, the IPL is cementing its position as one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world. Following recent on-field success, RCB has emerged as a prized asset within this ecosystem.
Who is Aryaman Birla?
Aryaman comes across as a rare blend of an athlete and a business leader, bringing direct cricket experience to a high-profile administrative role. Aryaman was born on 09 July 1997 in Mumbai.
domestic cricket tour
The 28-year-old player started his cricket career as a left-handed opening batsman. Madhya Pradesh In the domestic circuit of India. He made his debut for MP in a Ranji Trophy match against Odisha on 25 November 2017. During his time with the team, he shared the dressing room with the current RCB captain Rajat Patidar And India’s all-rounder Venkatesh IyerHis close relationship with the current generation players was highlighted.
Aryaman scored 414 runs in nine first-class matches, including a memorable century against Bengal at the iconic Eden Gardens. In the limited overs format, he played four List-A games, adding 36 runs to his account. While his domestic career was relatively brief, it provided him with valuable insight into the competitive structure of Indian cricket.
IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals
Aryaman came into limelight during the IPL 2018 mega auction, where he was bought Rajasthan Royals For ₹30 lakh. Although he did not feature in any matches during his tenure with the franchise, the experience made him aware of the dynamics of the IPL ecosystem, including team management, player preparation and the high-pressure environment.
He remained with the team until being released before the 2020 season. Despite limited on-field opportunities in the IPL, this phase enhanced his understanding of franchise cricket – knowledge that is expected to benefit him in his current leadership role at RCB.
Also read: Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026
A stance on mental health
Aryaman’s journey took a turning point in 2019 when he stepped away from professional cricket to focus on his mental health. His openness about dealing with anxiety was widely acknowledged and appreciated, setting an example in a sport where such conversations are often ignored.
This phase of self-reflection, coupled with his subsequent corporate experience, has shaped him into an all-round leader. His familiarity with both dressing room realities and boardroom strategies gives him a unique perspective as he now takes charge of one of the most prominent IPL franchises.
New leadership structure in RCB
The revamped RCB leadership is a combination of business leaders and global investors, with the aim of driving both sporting and business success forward.
- chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla
- Vice President: Satyan Gajwani (The Times of India Group)
- strategic partner:David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone
This leadership mix reflects a strategic approach combining financial strength, media influence and sports investment expertise.
Also read: IPL 2026: Here’s how to book tickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore home matches