A consortium of Indian and global investors has acquired the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an all-cash deal worth USD 1.78 billion. Aryaman Vikram Birla, son of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, has been named chairman of the franchise.
Aryaman has firsthand experience of the game, having pursued cricket seriously. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2017 and showed promise across nine first-class matches, including a maiden century against Bengal at Eden Gardens.
However, he stepped away from cricket indefinitely in 2019, citing severe anxiety related to the sport. The new ownership group brings together major names, including the Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone’s BXPE arm, and the Times of India Group.
Aryaman's appointment adds a personal dimension to the story, but it's his sister Ananya Birla who's also drawing attention. An entrepreneur and investor, she's built her own profile separate from the family's business legacy.
The transition remains subject to regulatory clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Once approved, the consortium will formally take over operations of the franchise.
