Rajasthan Royals Co-Owner Breaks Silence On Sale Rumours: "On For 17 Years"

Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale has addressed speculation regarding the franchise's potential sale, dismissing the rumors as long-standing. His comments come after the team confirmed Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach and director of cricket for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Sangakkara steps into the role previously held by Rahul Dravid, who departed in August following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. Badale commented on the coaching restructure, stating, "Tough decision (on coaching restructuring). Kumar Sangakkara has been a coach before. It was about simplification. No judgment on Rahul Dravid, who remains one of the greatest to have coached India," as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

When questioned about the sale rumors, Badale responded, "It's been on for 17 years, nothing new there."

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Rajasthan Royals traded Sanju Samson and Sam Curran, acquiring Ravindra Jadeja in return. During the auction itself, the Royals focused on uncapped Indian talent, securing Sushant Mishra for Rs 90 lakh, Yash Raj Punja for Rs 30 lakh, and Vignesh Puthur, also for Rs 30 lakh. The team also engaged in a bidding war for India spinner Ravi Bishnoi, ultimately adding the leg spinner to their roster for Rs 7.20 crore.