Rajasthan Royals’ prospective change of ownership may have reached an official-looking stage, but it appears the final outcome is still far from certain. There are indications that the transaction could spill into legal proceedings, with the Kal Somani-led consortium—seen as being on the verge of sealing the franchise deal for $1.63 billion before a key development on Sunday—preparing for a potential legal route if required. A source close to Somani said that discussions are already underway with legal and communications teams in the United States. “We have had calls this morning with legal and PR in the USA. We are deciding on our PR. A legal letter will be sent today,” the source stated.
It is also being reported that the consortium may send a formal communication to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the broader story around the sale has suggested a settled direction, sources indicate that Somani’s deal with Rajasthan Royals has effectively collapsed, and that multiple factors are being cited for the breakdown. The most prominent point raised relates to a one-month exclusivity window for making the payment, which the consortium claims was not honoured.
However, a separate account from within the United States points to documentation and process delays. According to US-based sources, roughly 90% of the paperwork was still pending from the Rajasthan Royals management at the time. “They slow-dragged it,” said the source. The same source added that the negotiations continued in good faith until the final moments, stressing that the financial backing behind Somani—supported by American businessman Rob Walton of Walmart and the Hamp family, which owns the Detroit Lions—meant funds were never the central concern. “They continued negotiations in good faith until the last second. With the Walton and Hamp families behind him, money was never an issue,” the source said.
Further concerns have also been raised regarding Manoj Badale, the current lead owner. Sources claim that Badale wanted to remain part of the new structure, a position the US group did not support. Under the arrangement that was being discussed with the Mittals and Adar Poonawala, Badale—who has been associated with the franchise since its establishment in 2008—was expected to play an important role. Earlier during the day, a joint statement had said: “Mr Badale will continue to support Rajasthan Royals, acting as a bridge between the past and the present, and bringing his deep knowledge and experience of cricket to the franchise.”
With the deal now in jeopardy, the consortium is reportedly weighing whether it should publicly address the fallout. “We will discuss it with our group if we are going to go publicly on the matter since litigation will be involved,” the source said. The source further explained that their side had raised specific questions, including whether BCCI dues had been paid and what the status of existing or pending legal matters was. “We had queries such as whether the BCCI dues were paid. We wanted to know the status of legal cases. There were 100s of such questions. From our end we have been ready to close for 10 days. There was deliberate delay and then side dealings,” the source added.
Cricbuzz attempted to reach Manoj Badale for his response to the claims. The report will be updated if he offers a comment.
