In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals have reportedly been sold for an incredible $1.63 billion. This is one of the most expensive deals ever for a cricket team.
US-based businessman Kal Somani, along with investors Walmart and Ford, has brought the franchise. He will take charge of Rajasthan Royals after the IPL 2026 season.
Sourav Ganguly’s reaction to Rajasthan Royals’ record-breaking sale for $1.63 billion
Reacting to the news, former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that this huge amount shows how big and powerful the IPL has become over the years.
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As quoted by Khel Now, Sourav Ganguly said at an event where he was named brand ambassador of Jackson: “The IPL is only going to reach new heights. This is great news for the IPL.”
These are astonishing figures, astonishing figures for a sports franchise and a cricket team that plays for three months of the year. So, these are shocking numbers, but very good news for Indian cricket and the way forward.
It’s unprecedented: Sourav Ganguly on the growth of IPL
The former KKR captain recalled how the IPL started and now it has reached a level that no one had even imagined. He believes the entry of US investors proves how strongly the IPL is expanding globally.
Sourav Ganguly said, “When it started in 2007, as I said, I played the first ball of the IPL in RCB vs KKR in 2008. It is unprecedented to see the IPL grow to this height, and it also shows the expansion of the game.”
Watch: Sourav Ganguly reacts to the sale of Rajasthan Royals franchise after it was sold in a record deal.#RajasthanRoyals #RR2026 #IPL2026 #kalsomaani #mygame pic.twitter.com/GXSOkEB0RW
– myKhel.com (@mykhelcom) 24 March 2026
“And it also reflects gaming spend, and some of the buyers are from the US. And for the game to take off with interest in that part of the world, especially Indian cricket, is fantastic.”
Ganguly compared the broadcasting power of IPL with EPL, NBA
He also pointed out that the broadcast value of IPL is now at par with some of the biggest sporting events in the world, including football. Highlighting the broadcast value of the tournament, he compared the atmosphere and popularity of the IPL to major football competitions.
Ganguly further added, “I think it is already as big as the NBA. The broadcast rights are as big as anywhere in the world, even with football. The EPL runs for six months and the IPL is only a two-and-a-half month tournament. So, to get so much attention is unprecedented.”
Also read: IPL 2026 ball changing rules explained
Sourav Ganguly reacts to MS Dhoni’s retirement rumor and foreign stars’ withdrawal
At the same event, Ganguly said that he would personally talk to MS Dhoni about his retirement and would not share anything with the media on the matter. On the other hand, many foreign stars are missing the start of the season.
Cricket Australia has refused to grant NOCs to its top fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc due to injury concerns and workload management. On the other hand, New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has taken leave and will not play in the first seven matches of Punjab Kings to be with his family.
Ganguly said that such things cause a lot of loss to the franchise, because the team’s plans go completely wrong. But he also believes that this situation creates new opportunities for young players. He pointed out that his own Test debut also came when Sanjay Manjrekar was injured, adding that unexpected opportunities can change careers.