RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025: Will Drake's Rs 6.4 crore bet break the RCB curse? All eyes on the key clash at Narendra Modi Stadium
In a move that's drawn global eyes to cricket's grand finale, Canadian rapper Drake has staked $750,000 on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win their maiden IPL title. Revealing the bet on Instagram, he used RCB's war cry 'Ee sala cup namde' while tagging crypto-betting platform Stake. With over a billion dollars wagered this season, his high-stakes gamble has reignited talk of the infamous 'Drake Curse'—but fans now wonder if this time, luck might finally be on RCB's side.
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RCB vs PBKS: Two teams, one elusive dream
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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) takes centre stage on Tuesday night at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, global attention has shifted sharply—thanks to a staggering bet placed by Canadian rap superstar Drake.On the eve of the match, the Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram to announce a $750,000 wager on RCB to lift their first-ever IPL trophy. Placed via the crypto-based sports betting platform Stake, the bet carries odds of 1.75, meaning Drake stands to win $1,312,500 (roughly ₹11 crore) if RCB triumphs.'Ee sala cup namde,' the rapper wrote in his Instagram story, echoing RCB's well-known slogan. It translates from Kannada to 'This year, the cup is ours.'This is Drake's second foray into IPL betting. In 2024, he made waves by backing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He then captioned his bet with the KKR chant, 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo.' KKR went on to win the title, temporarily silencing concerns around what fans have dubbed the 'Drake Curse'—a phenomenon where the teams he supports often end up losing.That streak, however, hasn't always gone his way. Last year, alongside his KKR bet, he also backed the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup and the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA Finals—both teams suffered losses. The pattern has fuelled debate across sporting communities, with some fans worried that Drake's bet might jinx RCB's campaign.One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, 'Drake bet 6 crores on RCB lol, PBKS has chances of winning it.' Another posted, 'Thank you for supporting RCB, Drake bhai! Now all the PBKS fans like me can sleep peacefully.'Still, others remained hopeful. 'RCB so strong they're breaking the Drake curse as well,' one user commented.Both franchises are eyeing their first-ever IPL crown. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar and driven by Virat Kohli 's blistering form—over 600 runs this season—enter the final as slight favourites. They qualified after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1, adding weight to their title hopes.PBKS, captained by Shreyas Iyer, punched their ticket with a five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Iyer's 87 off 41 balls sealed the deal, making him the first captain to take three different teams to an IPL final.RCB were last in a final in 2016, when Kohli had amassed a record-breaking 973 runs in the season, but the trophy has remained elusive. PBKS, meanwhile, return to the final stage for the first time since 2014. For both, it's a shot at redemption.This year's IPL season has reportedly generated over a billion dollars in global bets, highlighting cricket's surging commercial appeal. With millions riding on match outcomes, every delivery becomes a high-stakes moment—not just for teams, but also for punters worldwide.Drake's endorsement deal with Stake has played a pivotal role in promoting crypto-betting globally. Initially reported by the Financial Times to be worth $100,000 a year in 2022, Pitchfork now estimates the rapper earns around $100 million annually through the platform. His betting slips—across sports like football, basketball, and now cricket—often go viral, expanding his influence well beyond music.The IPL 2025 final is expected to draw celebrities and cricketing icons alike. Preity Zinta, owner of PBKS, will likely be present. Bollywood stars, including Anushka Sharma—wife of Kohli—and others are expected to attend the sold-out event at the 125,000-capacity venue.Whether or not Drake's bet pays off, his involvement has amplified global buzz around the IPL. For Indian fans, his gesture marks a rare cultural crossover: a North American rapper chanting in Kannada, and betting big on a sport still growing in global appeal.As the floodlights blaze and fans chant 'Ee sala cup namde' across the stadium, RCB's fate—and Drake's million-dollar gamble—will be decided in 40 overs or less. For now, the world watches.
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