
Bengaluru Stampede: RCB Owner Discussing Sale Of IPL Franchise
According to Bloomberg, the alcohol company may seek a valuation of USD 2 billion and is currently in discussions with advisers. However, no final decision has been made, and it is possible that they may not sell the team.
Currently, RCB is embroiled in a major controversy after an event organised by them to celebrate the franchise's IPL triumph turned tragic. A large crowd gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of the RCB cricketers, with the franchise having announced a victory parade and felicitation.
A stampede ensued outside the cricket stadium, resulting in the deaths of eleven people and injuries to several others. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to the filing of an FIR against RCB, the event organiser DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
Furthermore, before the start of IPL 2025, the Indian Ministry of Health issued an advisory urging the organisers of the popular cricket tournament to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, during matches and broadcasts, citing public health concerns.
The Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, wrote in a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, 'IPL should strictly implement the regulations banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL events are held, as well as during telecast sessions on national television."
RCB won the IPL championship for the first time in their history after defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final held in Ahmedabad last week.
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