The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned not only for its high-octane cricket matches but also for the prominent figures who own its franchises. These owners come from diverse backgrounds, including industry magnates and entertainment personalities, each bringing unique expertise to their respective teams. Here’s a look at the current owners of the IPL franchises:
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Owner: N. Srinivasan
- Business Background: India Cements
N. Srinivasan is a seasoned industrialist and former cricket administrator who heads India Cements, one of India’s leading cement manufacturing companies. Known for his strong influence within the cricketing community, Srinivasan plays a vital role in the management and strategic direction of Chennai Super Kings.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Owners: Parth Jindal and GMR Group
- Business Background: JSW Group and GMR Group
Parth Jindal, a scion of the JSW Group, manages JSW Cement and JSW Paints. The franchise’s other co-owner, the GMR Group, is a prominent infrastructure company. Together, they bring a blend of industrial and infrastructural expertise to the team.
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Owner: CVC Capital Partners
- Business Background: Private Equity
Owned by Jersey-based CVC Capital Partners, a private equity giant, Gujarat Titans bring an international business dimension to the IPL. CVC Capital Partners has investments in a variety of sectors, including sports, health, and finance, allowing them to bring a strategic, global approach to the franchise.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Owners: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta
- Business Background: Red Chillies Entertainment and Mehta Group
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri Khan, established Red Chillies Entertainment, a film and entertainment production company, which co-owns Kolkata Knight Riders with business magnate Jay Mehta and his actress-wife Juhi Chawla. Mehta Group, a multinational corporation, complements Khan’s entertainment influence, making KKR a unique mix of glamour and industrial clout.
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Owner: Dr. Sanjiv Goenka
- Business Background: RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group
Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, founder and chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, oversees a conglomerate with interests in energy, carbon black, IT-enabled services, FMCG, and more. Known for his strategic foresight, Goenka brings his vast business experience to the Lucknow Super Giants, ensuring their competitive edge on and off the field.
6. Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Owner: Mukesh Ambani
- Business Background: Reliance Industries
Mukesh Ambani, one of the world’s richest individuals, is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, a multinational conglomerate with ventures in energy, petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and media. Mumbai Indians, one of the IPL’s most successful teams, has consistently benefitted from Reliance’s robust financial and strategic backing.
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Owners: Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul
- Business Background: Diverse Ownership – Film, FMCG, Trading, and Hospitality
Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, alongside business stalwarts Ness Wadia (Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation), Mohit Burman (Dabur), and Karan Paul (Apeejay Surrendra Group), form a unique ownership consortium. With their combined expertise in film, FMCG, trading, and hospitality, Punjab Kings is guided by a diverse mix of industries, making them a distinct entity in the IPL landscape.
8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Owner: Manoj Badale
- Business Background: Blenheim Chalcot
British-Indian entrepreneur Manoj Badale, co-founder of Blenheim Chalcot, heads Rajasthan Royals. Blenheim Chalcot is a global venture builder focusing on SaaS (Software as a Service) and digital businesses powered by generative AI. Badale’s tech-driven approach has helped transform Rajasthan Royals into a progressive, data-centric franchise.
9. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Owner: United Spirits Ltd.
- Business Background: United Spirits Ltd., a subsidiary of Diageo
Royal Challengers Bangalore is owned by United Spirits, India’s leading alcoholic beverage company and a subsidiary of global spirits giant Diageo. With a vast portfolio of prestigious brands, United Spirits brings a sophisticated branding edge to RCB. Prathmesh Mishra, current chairman of RCB, oversees the team’s business and sporting strategy.
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Owner: Kalanithi Maran
- Business Background: Sun TV Network
Kalanithi Maran, founder and chairman of Sun TV Network, one of India’s largest media conglomerates, owns Sunrisers Hyderabad. Maran’s influence in the media industry and expertise in television, radio, and film production have helped Sunrisers Hyderabad cultivate a strong brand presence, backed by his vast reach across South India’s entertainment landscape. However, during the auction fans generally witness his daughter Kavya Maran