DK Shivakumar breaks silence on buying RCB rumours

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 11, 2025: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has quashed rumours of him buying the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His remark comes days after reports surfaced that RCB owners, United Spirits -- the Indian arm of UK-based Diageo Plc -- was looking to sell stakes in the franchise. However, United Spirits issued a clarification denying any such reports. "This has reference to your email communication dated 10th June 2025 seeking clarification from the Company on media reports in relation to potential stake sale of RCB. The Company would like to clarify that aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussions," United Spirits told the Bombay Stock Exchange and BSE Surveillance Department.

Now, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has played down the rumours of him buying RCB.

"I am not a mad man. I’m just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that’s all. I don’t have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don’t even drink Royal Challenge," Shivakumar said in a video posted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi | "I am not a mad man. I’m just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that’s all. I don’t have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don’t even drink Royal Challenge," says Karnataka Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/iZ1K1by206

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2025

Following RCB’s maiden IPL title win, thousands of jubilant fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, where the official celebrations were held. However, the event took a devastating turn as the overcrowded venue led to chaos when fans attempted to forcefully enter the stadium, resulting in a deadly stampede.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Lalit Modi expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and labelled the incident as a case of gross mismanagement.

"First and foremost, my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede. This should never have happened. The entire event was poorly planned and executed," Modi said.

"There is so much mudslinging and finger-pointing going on, but the issue is simple - the event should never have been allowed without proper arrangements in place. The authorities failed, and the team management should also have ensured fan safety before participating in the so-called celebrations."