In a political-meets-cricket moment that has the internet buzzing, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed rumors about his potential purchase of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise with trademark wit and humor. His comments, delivered with a touch of sarcasm and clarity, have swiftly gone viral and added an amusing twist to what has been a week of intense speculation.
The Rumour Mill Spins
Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report claimed that Diageo, the British liquor giant that owns RCB through its Indian unit United Spirits Ltd., was exploring options to sell part or all of its stake in the iconic IPL team. The speculation immediately triggered buzz in both cricket and business circles, with names of potential buyers being thrown around — including that of DK Shivakumar.
However, on Wednesday, Shivakumar decisively shut down the rumors during a press interaction, saying:
"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."
His quip cleverly referenced the popular whisky brand "Royal Challenge" — also owned by Diageo — and had social media in splits.
RCB Ownership Speculation: Diageo Responds
As rumors gained momentum, United Spirits Ltd., under pressure from market regulators, issued an official clarification. In a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), company secretary Mital Sanghvi stated:
“The company would like to clarify that the aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussion. This is for your information and records.”
Despite the denial, the very speculation of a potential sale caused United Spirits’ stock to jump by 3.3%, hitting a five-month high. Clearly, any news involving the RCB brand — especially after their maiden IPL title win — is enough to stir excitement in the market.
RCB’s Rollercoaster Month: From Champions to Chaos
The ownership rumors come just days after RCB was at the center of another major story — this time for more unfortunate reasons. On June 3, RCB clinched their first IPL title in 18 years, defeating the Punjab Kings in a dramatic final in Ahmedabad. The win was historic, emotional, and long-awaited by the team’s loyal fanbase.
However, the celebrations took a tragic turn the next day. Over 2.5 lakh fans gathered at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to witness RCB’s victory parade. In the chaotic aftermath, a stampede outside the stadium left 11 people dead and 56 injured, raising serious questions about crowd control and safety protocols.
While the team mourned the loss of life, questions also emerged about the franchise's management and its future — fueling speculation about internal changes and, potentially, ownership transitions.
A Political Leader’s Unexpected Viral Moment
DK Shivakumar’s statement adds an entirely new flavor to this ongoing saga. It’s rare for a state-level political figure to be thrust into the IPL spotlight, but Shivakumar’s well-timed humor and candidness have won him praise across party lines and platforms.
His comment also highlighted a growing trend in Indian politics — where leaders are increasingly aware of, and reactive to, viral media cycles. Whether he was ever in serious consideration to acquire a stake or not, Shivakumar’s response ensured that he remained in control of the narrative, cutting short any gossip with a memorable punchline.
Final Thoughts: Business, Cricket & Branding
RCB, one of the most beloved IPL franchises, has always been more than just a cricket team. Its legacy, fanbase, and brand value make it a unique asset — and any rumor about its sale was bound to trigger massive public interest.
Whether or not Diageo is truly considering a sale in the near future, one thing is clear: RCB's victory has reignited public enthusiasm and brought a new wave of attention to the franchise. As for DK Shivakumar, he’s shown that sometimes, a sharp sense of humor is the best way to silence speculation.
In the end, the line “Why do I need RCB? I don’t even drink Royal Challenge” might just go down as one of the best mic-drop moments of the 2025 IPL off-season.
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