International Sports
IPL 2026: Franchise sales gather pace as global investors circle teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been put on the market by its current owner and is estimated to be worth up to $2 billion.
Developments off the field are drawing growing attention ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with two franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals — formally up for sale and attracting interest from high-profile domestic and international investors.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the league’s most recognisable teams, has been put on the market by its current owner, Diageo’s United Spirits Ltd, following a strategic review. The sale process is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Market estimates suggest the franchise could be valued at around $2 billion, reflecting the soaring commercial value of the IPL.
Several bidders have been shortlisted for RCB, including investment groups led by Indian industrialists, private equity firms and overseas sports owners. Among those reported to have shown interest is a consortium linked to the Glazer family, co-owners of English Premier League club Manchester United. Non-binding bids have already been submitted, with binding offers expected in the coming weeks.
Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the inaugural IPL title in 2008, are also in the process of being sold. A shortlist of potential buyers has been finalised, featuring a mix of Indian and international investors, including private equity firms, entrepreneurs and media-linked groups. The franchise is expected to attract a valuation of more than $1 billion, according to market estimates.
Final bids for Rajasthan Royals are anticipated in early March, while the RCB transaction is expected to move into its final phase later this month. Any change in ownership will require approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The potential sales mark one of the most significant ownership shake-ups in IPL history and underline the league’s growing appeal as a global sports investment as preparations continue for the 2026 season.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings cruise past Kolkata Knight Riders
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.
Chennai Super Kings secured a convincing 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Tuesday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash, delivering a polished all-round performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai.
Batting first, Chennai posted a competitive 192/5 in their 20 overs, with valuable contributions from Sanju Samson (48) and Dewald Brevis (41), setting a challenging target.
In response, Kolkata struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 160/7, falling short despite a late push from the middle order. Spinner Noor Ahmad led the bowling effort with three crucial wickets, earning Player of the Match honours, as Chennai’s disciplined attack ensured the visitors never seriously threatened the total.
The result marks Chennai’s second consecutive win of the season, while Kolkata remain without a victory in the campaign so far.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.
Bengaluru enter the contest boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition, having consistently posted totals above 200 this season. Lucknow, meanwhile, will rely on their disciplined bowling unit as they look to bounce back from a recent defeat and climb the standings.
With conditions in Bengaluru traditionally favouring batsmen, the encounter is widely expected to produce another high-scoring contest.
Broadcast details
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow the action live on Ariana Television, which is broadcasting IPL matches across the country.
As the tournament gathers pace, both on-field competition and global viewership continue to rise, with key fixtures attracting growing international attention.
International Sports
RCB, Gujarat Titans secure wins in Sunday IPL double-header
In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare.
Two contrasting but equally compelling matches marked Sunday’s action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Gujarat Titans cruising to victory in the afternoon and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prevailing in a high-scoring evening clash.
In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare. Lucknow posted 164/8 in their 20 overs, but Gujarat chased down the target comfortably, finishing on 165/3 in 18.4 overs.
Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4/28 and earning Player of the Match honours. With the bat, captain Shubman Gill led from the front with 56 off 40 balls, while Jos Buttler added a quickfire 60, guiding Gujarat to a comfortable win.
The evening encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest. Bengaluru posted a formidable 240/4 in their 20 overs, powered by a blistering 78 from Phil Salt and a half-century from captain Rajat Patidar.
Mumbai Indians mounted a strong chase, finishing on 222/5, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 71 off 31 balls. However, the target proved too steep as Bengaluru held their nerve to secure victory.
The results continue to shape an increasingly competitive early phase of the IPL season, with teams beginning to build momentum in the standings.
Monday’s match
Attention now turns to Monday’s fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad face Rajasthan Royals. Both sides will be aiming to strengthen their positions, with key players expected to play decisive roles in what promises to be another closely fought contest.
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.
International Sports
IPL double-header delivers thrills as teams battle for momentum
In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.
Saturday’s double-header in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings record important victories as the tournament gathered pace.
In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.
In the second game, Chennai Super Kings overcame Delhi Capitals in a closely contested match, with Chennai holding their nerve in the decisive moments to secure the win.
CSK won by 23 runs.
The results provide both Punjab and Chennai with valuable momentum as teams begin to establish themselves in the early stages of the competition.
Sunday’s Matches
Attention now turns to Sunday’s double-header.
Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the first match of the day, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the standings.
Later, Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-profile clash expected to deliver another thrilling contest.
All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
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International Sports4 days agoRCB, Gujarat Titans secure wins in Sunday IPL double-header
