The Indian Premier League (IPL) has recorded a huge 12.9% increase in enterprise value to US$18.5 billion in 2025, according to Houlihan Lokey's recent IPL Brand Valuation Study. The standalone brand value of the league also went up by 13.8% to US$3.9 billion, solidifying its status as one of the world's most valuable and impactful sports leagues.

This sustained growth finds expression in commercial success too. The sale of four associate-sponsor places by the BCCI — My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT—amounted to ₹1,485 crore, a 25% rise over the earlier cycle. The Tata Group also extended its title sponsorship of the IPL until 2028 under a US$300 million (₹2,500 crore) deal.

RCB Shoots Up to Number One, CSK Falls to Third

In a wide-scale overhaul of franchise brand values, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was the top-ranked franchise with a brand value of US$269 million, an increase from US$227 million the previous year. RCB's upsurge came on the back of their record first title victory in 2025, ending a 17-year drought. Leadership change by the team—to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain while holding on to Virat Kohli in a significant batting position—proved to be the turning point in finding a balance between renewal and continuity.

Mumbai Indians went up to the second spot with a brand value of US$242 million. Their stability and strategic realignment, such as Rohit Sharma taking on the new role of an impact player, ensured their brand strength remained intact. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dropped to third at US$235 million following a poor season, despite the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was back as skipper after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a mid-season injury.

Punjab Kings (PBKS), the runners-up, had the strongest year-over-year brand growth at 39.6%, fueled by their run to the finals with new captain Shreyas Iyer. Lucknow Super Giants trailed more than 34% growth.

Record-Breaking Viewership and Media Success

IPL 2025 broke viewership records on both digital and television platforms. JioHotstar attracted 1,370 million views in the first weekend, March 22–24, with year-on-year growth of 35%, 340 million peak concurrent users, and 21,860 million minutes watched. Star Sports had 253 million TV views, up 14%, adding up to a total watch time of 49,560 million minutes.

RCB versus PBKS was the most-viewed final in IPL history, with more than 678 million views on JioHotstar—more than even India vs. Pakistan during the ICC Championship this year.

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Expert Views on IPL's Financial Ecosystem

"The IPL continues to raise the bar in sports business. Franchise valuations have gone through the roof, media rights transactions have hit all-time highs, and brand sponsorships have expanded into diversified industries," added Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey. “The league’s ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal. In summary, the IPL represents a high-yield multi-asset class with diversified risks and a catalyst for cricket’s global transformation.”

Talikoti emphasized that IPL’s blueprint—supported by OTT penetration, multi-generational youth audiences, international awareness, and growth through new leagues and franchisees—is molding the future of cricket globally.

Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings, concurred:

“From day one, we saw IPL as more than a cricket league. It was a scalable business model with high visibility, secure revenue streams, and strong brand-building potential. It was a heady mix of sports and entertainment, which eventually had the potential to deliver huge audiences and revenues.”

He added, “We now operate with the mindset of a media-sport brand with multiple revenue verticals, not just a cricket team. That’s where real profitability lies. Over time, we have built a sustainable sports business that spans multiple leagues, drives platform-level content, attracts global brands, and creates IPs that outlast a season.”

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Franchise Rankings and Outlook

• RCB – US$269M (1st): Brand and business success topped by 2025 title triumph.
  
• MI – US$242M (2nd): Strategic evolution keeps brand relevant.
  
• CSK – US$235M (3rd): Transitional season despite Dhoni’s presence.
  
• KKR – US$227M (4th): Decline in brand momentum post Shreyas Iyer’s exit.
  
• SRH – US$154M (5th): Inconsistency offset a star-studded lineup.
  
• DC – US$152M (6th): Stable mid-table brand performance.
  
• RR – US$146M (7th): Youth focus boosted fan interest.
  
• GT – US$142M (8th): Slight dip post initial success years.
  
• PBKS – US$141M (9th): Highest YoY growth with finals appearance.
• LSG – US$122M (10th): Strong growth following brand-building initiatives.
  

Houlihan Lokey's Corporate Valuation Advisory Services continues to counsel stakeholders in M&A, tax planning, and financial reporting, with the IPL's growth being a marquee poster child for sports-business synergy.

Digvesh Rathi, a fast-rising leg-spinner who has had nothing short of a spectacular rise, was at the center of Sunday's thrilling Delhi Premier League (DPL) headlines. Rathi was the second most expensive player in the tournament after being acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for ₹30 lac in the IPL early this year and then selling for ₹38 lac.

The 22-year-old spinner was purchased by Delhi Superstarz, who look to improve their spin unit ahead of DPL Season 2. Rathi’s consistency and ability to thrive under pressure certainly led to plenty of franchises showing interest; however, it was Superstarz who were able to close the deal, which highlights the players' development in the past few months. 

Rathi’s journey is indicative of the domestic cricket landscape evolving in India, where local leagues like the DPL are bridging their players' development, opportunities to be noticed, and opportunities to be paid for their skills. The hike in auction price by Rathi from being valued at ₹30 lac in the best T20 league in the world compared to the regional tournament where he was worth ₹38 lac, indicates how highly he is rated across all formats.

ALSO SEE: 'MS Dhoni Was An Intimidating Player' - Former South African legend sends birthday wish to 'Captain Cool'

Digvesh Rathi's Development: the Rise from ₹30 Lakh in IPL to ₹38 Lakh in DPL

Simarjeet Singh, a right-arm fast bowler, was at the top of the leaderboard overall in a very good auction for franchises with a ₹39 lakh deal to Central Delhi Kings. Other feature prospects were Prince Yadav (₹33 lakh) and Nitish Rana (₹34 lakh). But Rathi's development milestone was particularly impressive, signaling the beginning of a new phase of his young spinner's life.

After making fantastic strides in the IPL season with his variations, control, and temperament, Digvesh is now in a great position to be a major performance piece of the Delhi Superstarz's campaign. His valuation is more than just numerically important; it reflects how much higher franchises are starting to trust in high-ceiling, domestic talent.

In earning a valuation of ₹38 lakh in DPL, up from ₹30 lakh in IPL, Digvesh Rathi's development can be interpreted as a reflection of consistency, promise, and the growing opportunities in India's domestic T20 ecosystem.

More than a month has gone by since the stampede at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium rocked the city during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebration. Though RCB and the Karnataka government had made early assurances of assistance and compensation, several families of the victims now claim they have been given no assistance.

The stampede happened on June 4 when huge crowds of people thronged around the stadium after RCB's championship-winning season. Poor crowd control and a lack of coordination between event management and security forces caused panic and chaos, with 11 fatalities and many injuries, as per reports.

In the initial aftermath, RCB had issued a public statement of sympathy and had announced a compensation package of ₹10 lakh per family. The Karnataka government had also offered ₹25 lakh per family. But now, as per recent reports, it is reported that several families state they are yet to receive any official communication or disbursement of funds.

ALSO SEE: “Wasted Money on Crooks and Prostitutes”: Hasin Jahan slams Mohammed Shami in controversial Instagram post

RCB Yet to Fulfill Compensation Promise, Victims' Families Left in Limbo After Bengaluru Stampede

Some relatives, in an interview with local media, said that in spite of repeated follow-ups, they have not been made aware of timelines or procedures. This confusion has contributed to the anguish of bereaved families who are already struggling with legal and administrative complexities.

Sources in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have indicated that talks were on, and RCB stated that compensation had been processed at official levels. Yet, no word has appeared publicly that funds have reached the recipients.

The accident has caused increasing public attention to the management of crowd safety in massive sporting events. Judicial proceedings are in motion, with the government conducting investigations into the breakdowns in planning and security. In the meantime, certain police officers and RCB staff on duty at the event have been suspended or questioned.

For the time being, the victim families remain in expectation of promises being kept. The stampede is still one of the darkest moments of recent IPL history, offering pressing questions over responsibility, readiness, and the necessity of swift relief efforts for victims.

Instead of a safe exit, the exciting management of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is facing a more complicated situation due to the tragic stampede incident outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives and left many people injured who were there to celebrate RCB's IPL 2025 triumph.

Now, according to some of the latest media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) can impose a potential ban on the sale of the RCB franchise. In a previous report, just after the Bengaluru Stampede incident, it was claimed that the present authority has been in search of an appropriate buyer to sell one of the popular franchise teams of the cricket world.

BCCI Ombudsman Justice Arun Mishra has directed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to file replies about the tragic incident because of possible negligence from both ends. Regarding this, a former complaint was filed by Vikash Kumar on June 12. As the incident is under investigation and the exact reason has yet to be explored, BCCI took a strict stance. 

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BCCI Ombudsman said this in a written format 

Justice (Retired) Mishra in his directive mentioned, "This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. The complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. The complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations."

RCB, one of the original IPL franchises, was initially owned by Vijay Mallya before Diageo acquired United Spirits and took control of the team. This season, the Bengaluru-based side finally broke its long-standing title drought by winning its maiden IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In a dramatic twist of circumstances in the wake of the horrific Bengaluru stampede on June 4, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prima facie liable for the stampede that resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured dozens of others. The stampede occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium while the franchise was celebrating its IPL 2025 title, an event that turned tragic because of inadequate coordination and a lack of foresight.

The Tribunal was acting on a plea filed by Additional Commissioner of Police Vikash Kumar Vikash, who had been suspended after the incident. CAT, in its strongly worded order, exonerated Vikash and the police department and turned the spotlight squarely on RCB's role. The Tribunal held that the franchise had gone through required formalities, specifically not obtaining the permission of the police and failing to alert law enforcement in time to provide necessary security.

"Prima facie, it seems that it was the responsibility of the RCB to organize the mobilization of around three to five lakh of people," the Tribunal noted. "RCB never sought proper permission or leave from the police. They suddenly announced on social media sites, and hence… people went public." 

"Not Magicians with Aladdin's Lamp": Tribunal Justifies Police Action

The Tribunal indicated that the police were deprived of a realistic timeframe. It noted that the viral social media posting announcing a victory parade gave authorities only 12 hours to prepare for it. "It cannot be expected from the Police that within such a short time… they will make all arrangements," the order explained, justifying the force's constraints. "Police personnel are also human beings… not magicians with Aladdin's lamp."

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also attracted criticism for its imprecise communication. The KSCA, the Tribunal says, sent only a typical letter of intent to the police rather than specifically requesting permission or assistance in crowd management.

CAT says IPL Team #RCB is prima facie responsible for Bengaluru Stampede which claimed 11 lives.

Police is not magician, can't be expected manage huge crowds if not given sufficient time to make arrangements, the Tribunal observed.@RCBTweets @KarnatakaCops #BengaluruStampede pic.twitter.com/2QdmvohATs

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) July 1, 2025

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Legal Troubles Mount for RCB and Associates

RCB's legal woes seem far from over. The franchise had already been hit with a criminal case by the Karnataka government, citing their "relentless tweeting" as the reason for the huge and unruly crowd outside Vidhana Soudha and the stadium. CID probes and a judicial inquiry are continuing, and the findings of the CAT only add strength to the franchise's case.

In the wake of the tragedy at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed the arrest of several officials associated with RCB, DNA Networks (the event management company), and the KSCA. Top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, were suspended. With the CAT now clearing the police top brass of any responsibility, reinstatements are imminent.

A Painful Reckoning for RCB as Accountability Takes Center Stage

In a show of moral responsibility, KSCA treasurer ES Jairam and secretary A Shankar quit soon after the tragedy. Though their resignation does not clear the body of procedural failure, it highlights the seriousness of the breakdown in coordination among the franchise, the cricket board, and the authorities.

As RCB reeled under both legal and reputational backlash, this episode is a grim reminder of the duty that accompanies public celebration, particularly in a city as crowded and emotional as Bengaluru. The findings of the CAT are a watershed moment in the quest for accountability. But for the victims' families, the journey to justice is long from being complete.

The June 4 celebrations were meant to top a fairy-tale IPL campaign for RCB. They have turned out to be a source of sorrow for the franchise, one that will perhaps define its public perception in the years ahead.

In what could turn out to be one of the most high-profile transfers in recent IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shown clear interest in acquiring Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson. The buzz had been growing steadily on social media, but now it carries serious weight following confirmation from a senior CSK official, who told Cricbuzz that the franchise is “definitely looking at Sanju.”

The CSK official acknowledged that while there has been no formal approach made to the Royals, Samson’s qualities as a top-order batter, wicketkeeper, and an experienced Indian player make him an attractive proposition. “He is an Indian batter who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold,” the official stated, adding that any discussion around a trade counterpart was premature.

Strategic Fit and Potential Trade Conundrum

Samson, who has been part of the Royals' setup for over a decade and was their first retention at a premium price of ₹18 crore, would be a major acquisition for CSK. The five-time champions, now led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, may have to make a significant offer in return if a trade is to be realized. With head coach Stephen Fleming openly supporting his leadership, Gaikwad himself has the same retention value and is still selected as CSK's long-term captain.

Gaikwad's status and CSK's investment in his captaincy make a direct trade seem unlikely, but the team would still need to provide a desirable player or package in return. Historically, CSK has rarely indulged in trades, the last notable instance being the acquisition of Robin Uthappa from RR ahead of the 2021 season.

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Royals’ Position: Open to Offers, But Cautious

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals completed a review of their underwhelming 2025 campaign, where they finished ninth during a recent meeting in London. New head coach Rahul Dravid was also in attendance. The franchise reportedly discussed trade inquiries not just for Samson but for up to six of their players.

A Royals source told PTI, “There have been multiple approaches by multiple franchises for about six of our players. Similarly, we have approached multiple franchises for multiple options.” However, no formal communication has been acknowledged, and lead owner Manoj Badale is expected to take the final call.

With Indian keeper-batters being one of the most sought-after assets in IPL squads, RR are sitting on a goldmine in the form of Samson and Dhruv Jurel, who also showed promise during the season. Any trade involving Samson will likely require a near-equal or greater value in return.

The Trade Window and Rules

The IPL's official trade window opened at 9:00 am IST on June 10, 2025, and will remain open until seven days before the 2026 auction. Trade negotiations must comply with several rules laid down by the BCCI:

• Players cannot be traded in the season immediately after being bought in an auction.
• A traded player may only be traded once per season.
• Trades involving overseas players require NOCs from relevant cricket boards.
• League fees are central to the trade, but player contracts cannot be altered beyond negotiated fee adjustments, which require BCCI approval.
• If a "negotiated increase" or "decrease" in league fees is reached, the purchasing and selling teams are required to split the associated costs.

Since the trading window is still open and franchises are actively seeking opportunities, everyone will be watching to see if CSK formally expresses interest in Samson. Given the complexity of the move and the player's stature, any possible trade would necessitate patience, cautious negotiation, and strategic foresight. Although it is still in the early phases of development, the potential Sanju Samson transfer to CSK has all the makings of one of the most intriguing offseason IPL moves.

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer was hilariously ‘clean bowled’ by his mother during a fun-filled cricket session inside their house. In the now-viral video, Iyer’s mother can be seen bowling from the same spot where the video is being recorded, sending down a delivery that sneaks past her son’s bat and crashes into the stumps. The heartwarming moment between mother and son delighted fans on social media.

Among the many who shared the video was Punjab Kings (PBKS), Iyer’s IPL 2025 franchise. Posting the clip with a witty caption, PBKS wrote, “Only time SARPANCH won't mind getting bowled! 😂♥️.” The ‘Sarpanch’ nickname, lovingly given to Iyer by PBKS fans, was a humorous nod to the usually competitive cricketer taking the dismissal in stride.

From Living Room Laughter to IPL Heroics

The video’s comment section was flooded with appreciation, especially from parents who praised Iyer’s mother’s energy and passion for the game. Fans across platforms came together to revel in the cute moment, with many hailing it as wholesome family bonding and cricket love.

Watch the video here

Shreyas Iyer's mother bowling to Shreyas at his home. 😍❤️pic.twitter.com/E9bHYksHai

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 30, 2025

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Shreyas Iyer had a great IPL 2025 season with PBKS. After being bought for a massive INR 26.75 crore in the mega auction, Iyer had a great season, leading his team to a top-of-the-table position and their first IPL final since 2014. Though PBKS were runners-up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Iyer's achievements were noteworthy with 604 runs and a strike rate of 175.07, including six fifties.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) win was so impactful that people still have been talking about the night. Even in question papers, the historic event took place.

In a viral social media post, cricket fans saw a question where Krunal Pandya's name is mentioned. The question is set around an imaginary bowling of Pandya, man of the match of the IPL 2025 grand finale.

According to the viral social media post, the question states, "In the IPL 2025 final, Krunal Pandya delivers a ball such that its velocity decreases over time due to air resistance. Suppose the rate of the change of the ball's velocity is proportional to the square of its velocity, given by the differential equation dv/dt = -(kv)², where k > 0 is a constant. If the initial speed of the ball is v(0) = 144 km/h (which is 40 m/s), assuming..." 

See the full question here

pic.twitter.com/KXGpWL3o30

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) June 29, 2025

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Pandya awarded the man of the match for game changing bowling performance

Pandya's tight bowling helped Rajat Patidar's side to lift the trophy for the first time in the history of the tournament. The spinner got the man of the match award for his influential bowling in the middle overs. With his slow left-arm orthodox bowling, the star all-rounder did not allow Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters to push the paddle to match the required run rate. In his 4-over bowling spell, Pandya bagged a couple of wickets in exchange for only a 4.25 required run rate.

RCB, batting first, scored 190 in their 20 overs quota. Virat Kohli's 43 off 35 was the best among any other Bengaluru batter's that night. Cameos from Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone pushed the team's total to a respectable score. But if Krunal had not made that phenomenal bowling performance, the result of the match could've been different. 

In a major boost for Kerala cricket, Indian wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is confirmed to play in the upcoming season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). The news was confirmed by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) governing council chairman Nazir Machan, who told Sportstar on Monday that Samson has officially signed up for the KCL player auction, scheduled to take place on July 5.

Samson, who served only as the brand ambassador for the league during its inaugural season in 2024, will now be seen on the field, representing his home state. He enters the player auction in the elite Category A, which features 39 top players, including Kerala Ranji Trophy captain Sachin Baby and promising IPL talent Vignesh Puthur.

According to a KCA source cited in Sportstar, “The wicketkeeper batter has registered for the KCL auction, declaring his willingness to participate in the franchise league, which is expected to take place ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season.” Samson’s participation is set to elevate the league’s popularity and draw wider attention.

KCL Auction Rules and Samson’s Comeback Opportunity

Sanju Samson had a tough 2025 IPL season marred with injuries, starting with a fractured finger, then a stomach issue impacted his performance and pushed him down in the batting order. He only managed to finish the season with 285 runs in nine matches with one fifty, averaging 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39. The KCL will serve as an important platform for him to regain form and fitness.

Sanju Samson to play the upcoming season of Kerala Cricket League

He has been included in the players list for the next KCL auction

This just confirms that he’s not moving away from KCA even after all the disrespects he faced pic.twitter.com/nEycFz05di

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 23, 2025

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As per KCA auction guidelines, each team can retain up to four players—three of whom may be capped. Teams opting out of retentions will be granted a Right-To-Match (RTM) card during the auction. The player retention deadline is June 30, 5 PM IST. Each franchise will have a Rs. 50 lakh auction purse and must form squads of 16–20 players. Defending champions Aries Kollam Sailors will look to defend their crown, having defeated Calicut Globstars in last year’s final.

After enduring a tough Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) stand-in captain, MS Dhoni has stepped away from the game's spotlight. Replacing injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni captained a struggling CSK team that eventually concluded at the bottom of the points table. Following the taxing campaign, the iconic former India skipper has maintained a low profile.

However, "Captain Cool" is back in the headlines—not for cricket, but for a heartwarming reason. A video recently went viral on social media showing Dhoni in a cheerful mood as he celebrated the birthday of his long-time friend and tennis coach, Surender Kumar. The celebration took place in Ranchi, Dhoni’s hometown, and was attended by close friends and family.

In the clip shared by his tennis partner, Sumeet Kumar Bajaj, Dhoni can be seen cutting a tennis-themed cake and feeding a piece to Surender Kumar. An emotional Surender broke down in tears of joy after Dhoni made the evening a special occasion for him. The act further showcased Dhoni's down-to-earth personality and the incredible friendships he has built off the pitch.

Dhoni’s Love for Tennis and Future in IPL

MS Dhoni is not only a cricketing legend but also a passionate tennis player and has played in several local tennis events in Jharkhand, actually winning men's doubles titles (3 consecutive titles in 2020, 2021, and 2022) alongside Sumeet Bajaj.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sumeet Kumar Bajaj (@bajaj.sumeetkumar)

See Also: Rohit Sharma: From debut to record-breaking icon of Indian cricket

While fans continue to speculate about Dhoni’s return to IPL 2026, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has kept something on ice. He has often stated that his participation will depend on his fitness levels and how his body responds in the lead-up to the next edition. Until then, fans are left enjoying these glimpses of their beloved "Thala" off the field.