RCB Sale: Vijay Mallya Responds to Critics Who Mocked His Investment as a 'Vanity Project' Vijay Mallya, the founder of Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB), publicly addressed critics who once dismissed his investment in the cricket franchise as a "vanity project" after the team was sold for nearly $2 billion (₹18,776 crore). The sale, announced by United Spirits Ltd (USL) on March 24, 2026, involved a ₹16,660-crore all-cash deal to a consortium including Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. The transaction also included a ₹540-crore payout for the Women’s Premier League and a 5% commission to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a post on X, Mallya congratulated the new owners, stating, “I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise.” He highlighted the growth of his initial ₹450-crore investment in 2008, which he purchased from the Bangalore Cricket Association. “It is immensely gratifying to see my ₹450 crore investment grow to ₹16,660 crore,” he said, emphasizing the franchise’s value. Mallya also noted that RCB will remain a part of his legacy, recalling memories such as “picking the young Virat Kohli, who is now amongst the best in the world.” Mallya’s comments came amid renewed scrutiny over his financial dealings. He had previously faced calls for his extradition from the UK, where he resides, and had offered to repay 100% of “public money” but claimed banks and authorities refused his proposal. The sale of RCB, which is now part of the IPL, also sparked discussions about the team’s future. Players will wear jersey No. 11 to honor victims of the 2018 Bengaluru stampede, a gesture that Mallya acknowledged as a meaningful tribute.#aditya_birla_group #times_of_india_group #vijay_mallya #royal_challenger_bangalore #united_spirits_ltd
