Latest news with #ipl
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Lalit Modi Thanks ‘Good Friend' Vijay Mallya For Buying RCB: ‘Biggest Sponsor...Give Credit'
Last Updated: Lalit Modi praised Vijay Mallya for being the first to back the IPL when it was still just an idea. Lalit Modi, the creator of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has put the spotlight back on one of the league's original team owners, Vijay Mallya. Sharing a clip from Vijay Mallya's recent interview with YouTuber Raj Shamani, Lalit Modi praised the former liquor baron for being the first to back the IPL when it was still just an idea. 'How did my good friend Vijay Mallya buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL I created? Hear from the man himself. He was the first person to support me blindly. He was also the league's biggest sponsor and has, since day one, been its most loyal, ardent fan and follower. For which I will always be grateful," he wrote on X. Modi further added, 'One must give credit where credit is due. He has always done more for the game and the fans than anyone living I know. And believe me, I know better than anyone else living. You may have your bias. But I am known to call a spade a spade." Mallya responded in his post with, 'Thank you Lalit." How did my good friend #vijaymallya buy @ team in the @iplt20 I created. Hear from the man himself. He was the first person to support me making the #ipl blindly. Also was its biggest sponsor and has since day one been its most loyal ardent fan and… — Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) June 5, 2025 In the recent interview, Mallya opened up about how he got involved with the IPL. 'I was impressed with the pitch Lalit made to the BCCI committee about this league. He called me one day and said, 'Okay, fine. We're ready to go. Teams are going to be auctioned. Are you going to buy?'" he said. Mallya saw the league not just as a sporting opportunity but also as a smart way to promote his brands. 'In a country where cricket is a religion, what better platform can I have to promote my brands than through an IPL franchise? And I got greedy, I wanted one for Kingfisher and one for my whiskey brand, Royal Challenge," he continued. But the rules were clear. 'He said you can only have one. Then the bidding came and I was excited to promote one of my brands. So, I bid for three franchises. I lost Mumbai by a very small amount of money. But then I ended up the highest bidder for three and I had to choose one. So, I obviously chose Bangalore," he stated. Mallya purchased RCB in 2008 and the team rose to fame as one of the most talked-about franchises in the IPL. But their journey wasn't smooth. Under Mallya's leadership, RCB often attracted headlines for both cricket and controversy. In 2016, as legal troubles mounted over unpaid loans, Mallya lost control of the team. Since then, the ownership of RCB has rested with United Spirits Limited (USL), a major player in India's alcoholic beverage market and the second-largest liquor company in the world. This IPL season turned out to be historic for RCB. After 18 years, the team finally lifted its maiden IPL trophy in a thrilling final against Punjab Kings. Fans across the country erupted in celebration but the joy was tragically cut short when a stampede broke out outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium where fans had gathered to celebrate. At least 11 people lost their lives and 47 others were injured in the chaos. First Published:
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Vijay Mallya's Big RCB Revelation: The 'Business' Behind Decision To Buy Team In 2008
After 18 years of struggles, grit, and perseverance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) title, beating the Punjab Kings in the final of the 2025 edition of the T20 league. Though always among the most popular franchises in the game, RCB couldn't fulfil the potential they showed. Several marquee players came and left over this period of 18 years, but only one remained - Virat Kohli. As RCB finally broke the jinx at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, the first man who came under the spotlight was Virat Kohli. The occasion also made fans and social media remember fugitive Vijay Mallya, who was the first owner of the franchise. Mallya, who remains a wanted fugitive in India, revealed in a podcast that he had bid for a total of three franchises, including the Mumbai Indians, a side that was eventually bought by Mukesh Ambani. After losing MI by the narrowest of margins, Mallya eventually bought RCB for a fee of 112 million US Dollars, which translated to 600-700 crore back in 2008. "I was very impressed with the pitch that Lalit Modi made to the BCCI committee about this league. He called me one day and said ok, teams are going to be auctioned. Are you going to buy it? So, I bid from three franchises, and I lost Mumbai by a very small amount of money." "When I bid for the RCB franchise in 2008, I saw the IPL as a game-changer for Indian cricket. My vision was to create a team that embodied the spirit of Bangalore—vibrant, dynamic, glamorous. I paid $112 million, the second-highest bid, because I believed in the potential. I wanted RCB to be a brand that stood for excellence, not just on the field but off it too. That's why I tied it to Royal Challenge, one of our top-selling liquor brands, to give it that bold identity." How did my good friend #vijaymallya buy @ team in the @iplt20 I created. Hear from the man himself. He was the first person to support me making the #ipl blindly. Also was its biggest sponsor and has since day one been its most loyal ardent fan and… — Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) June 5, 2025 During the conversation, Mallya also recalled buying Virat Kohli in the auction. Though Kohli was expected to be roped in by his state team, Delhi Capitals (Delhi Daredevils back then), the franchise decided to go for Pradeep Sangwan, giving RCB the opportunity to sign the teenage prodigy. "I handpicked players who could make RCB a powerhouse. My biggest pride was spotting Virat Kohli, a youngster from the Under-19 World Cup team. My inner instinct told me he was special, and I bid for him. Getting Rahul Dravid as our icon player was a no-brainer—he was Bangalore's pride. We also brought in global stars like Jacques Kallis, Anil Kumble, and Zaheer Khan. I wanted a mix of local heroes and international flair. My dream was to bring the IPL trophy to Bangalore, and I built the team with that goal," Mallya revealed on the podcast with Raj Shamani. "Shortly before the actual selection process, they were playing the U-19 World Cup, and I was very impressed with him. So, I picked him, and it's wonderful, 18 years later, he is still there. He was a young kid at that time when I got him, but you know, full of energy, great talent, and you know, one of the greatest Indian cricketers ever," he revealed. During Vijay Mallya's presence, RCB's after-match parties also made quite a few headlines. Mallya said that adding glamour to his team was also a deliberate attempt. "I wanted RCB to be more than a cricket team. It was about creating a lifestyle brand. The after-parties, the cheerleaders, the fan engagement—it was all deliberate to make RCB the most exciting franchise. Kingfisher and Royal Challenge were sponsors, so we leveraged that to make every match an event. People called it flashy, but it was strategic. Bangalore loved it, and RCB became the city's heartbeat," the fugitive business revealed. During the candid chat, Mallya said that his sole purpose behind buying RCB was to promote his whisky brand, Royal Challenge; there wasn't any cricket love behind it. When asked if he had the opportunity to pick some of the rival players today for RCB, he picked the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'You've made me wait 18 years': Virat Kohli pens emotional message after IPL triumph
Virat Kohli's emotional message after winning the IPL has gone viral (Image via X/@LucknowIPL & Instagram/@ Virat Kohli , after an 18-year wait, finally claimed his maiden IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 36-year-old has been a part of the franchise ever since he began his career in the Indian Premier League, which further adds to the ecstasy of the historic win at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3, Tuesday. As RCB claimed victory, cameras zoomed in on Kohli overcome by emotion as he dropped to his knees and covered his teary eyes and face. As fans still continue to take in the momentous win, Kohli took to Instagram as he penned an emotional message summing up the season, thanking his teammates and all those that played a part in his quest for the IPL trophy. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Kohli led the charge in the final, as he racked up a cautious 43 from 35 deliveries. While he departed without a half-century, his innings proved to be crucial in the six-run win over Punjab Kings. While the rival skipper departed for just one run, it was Kohli's careful knock that set the two sides apart. Virat Kohli's viral Instagram post has over 13 million likes In the emotional post on Instagram, Kohli dedicated the trophy to all the supporters that have stood by the team over the years. "This one is for the fans of rcb who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team," wrote the 36-year-old. 'A particularly special feeling': Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win He then wrote on how the IPL trophy hasn't been easy to get his hands on, penning, "As far as the ipl trophy is concerned- you've made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it's been absolutely worth the wait. ❤️ 🏆." The post that features RCB lifting the trophy has amassed close to a whopping 13 million likes. Poll Which player do you think was crucial for RCB's victory in the final? Virat Kohli Krunal Pandya Yash Dayal As the former RCB skipper dedicated the win to the fans that stood by the team, current captain Rajat Patidar dedicated to win to RCB's most loyal warrior and icon. The win marks the end of a long search for glory by one of the franchises that boast the most loyal fans in the country.
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First Post
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
IPL 2025: Anushka Sharma hugs Virat Kohli as he breaks down after winning his maiden trophy, Aamir Khan calls him a perfectionist
Virat Kohli has now shared his thoughts and feelings as he lifted the IPL trophy for the first time in 18 years. read more It was history in the making as Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore lifted the IPL trophy last night after waiting for 18 years. In a video that has gone viral, the man of the moment ran straight to Anushka Sharma and could not control his tears and she gave him a tight hug. virat running to anushka, after winning everything 🥹🤌✨😭🫶🧿 — Ket♡ (@InsanelySsane) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aamir Khan even called Kohli a perfectionist and said, 'In the present, I think Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah suit the same title.' Virat Kohli has now shared his thoughts and feelings as he lifted the IPL trophy for the first time in 18 years. Virat Kohli expressed- 'This team made the dream possible , a season I'll never ever forget. We've thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months.' He added, 'This one is for the fans of rcb who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment.' The former RCB captain continued, 'This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the ipl trophy is concerned- you've made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it's been absolutely worth the wait.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"You Made Me Wait 18 years": Virat Kohli's Instagram Post On IPL Title Sets Internet Ablaze
A serial winner on the international circuit, a man who has won literally everything there was to offer in white-ball cricket, Virat Kohli had to wait for 18 years before he could taste Indian Premier League (IPL) glory with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He cried, laughed and then lifted the glittering gold trophy for his first IPL title -- in his 18th year in the league and with the number 18 on his back. Kohli top-scored with 43 in his team's 190-9 and the crowd of 91,000 erupted when victory was secured. Affectionately called "King Kohli", he was again a key player for Bengaluru this season with 657 runs, including eight half-centuries, in 15 innings. An emotional Kohli, 36, said he gave his "youth and prime" for this moment. Back to his hotel after the mayhem in Ahmedabad, Virat had the opportunity to reflect on what transpired on Tuesday. The 36-year-old penned an emotional post as he thanked all those involved to end his 18-year-old of becoming an IPL champion. "This team made the dream possible, a season I'll never ever forget. We've thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of rcb who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the ipl trophy is concerned- you've made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it's been absolutely worth the wait," Kohli wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@ Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Virat explained what lifting the IPL trophy meant to him, though it still remains quite below his love for Test cricket. "I've given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled," said Kohli. "This moment is right up there with the best moments in my career. But it still ranks five levels below Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket. "So I would just urge the youngsters coming through... if you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it."
