According to a Bloomberg report, Diageo Plc, the UK-based spirits giant, is considering selling part or all of its stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which it owns via its Indian subsidiary, United Spirits Ltd. The potential sale, which could value the team at around $2 billion, comes in the wake of RCB’s maiden IPL title win. Diageo has engaged advisors to assess its options, though no final decision has been made and retaining the stake remains possible.

Originally owned by Vijay Mallya, RCB became part of Diageo's portfolio after the acquisition of Mallya’s spirits business. United Spirits’ shares surged by 3.3% following the news, reaching a five-month high.

The move aligns with increasing scrutiny from the Indian health ministry over indirect advertising of alcohol and tobacco brands during IPL events. While direct advertising of such products is banned, companies have promoted alternatives like soda using cricketers. A potential RCB stake sale could attract major investor interest, reflecting the IPL’s growing status as a premium global sports property akin to the NFL and EPL.

According to reports, following the stampede incident at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relocated the upcoming India ‘A’ vs South Africa ‘A’ ODI series to Rajkot. Although the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) denies any connection between the stampede and the venue change, sources indicate this may be the first of several events moved due to growing concerns over the stadium’s safety and infrastructure.

India A vs South Africa A matches moved out of Bengaluru

The red-ball matches between the two teams will still go ahead as planned at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence near the Bengaluru airport. However, the development has raised questions about KSCA’s capability to host major cricket events in the near future. BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are reportedly reviewing Bengaluru’s readiness to host matches in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup scheduled between September and November.

Chinnaswamy Stadium had been shortlisted to host the tournament’s opener, a semifinal, and potentially the final. But Wednesday’s stampede left parts of the stadium—such as railings, staircases, and walls—damaged, leading to safety concerns. Renovation is now considered essential before the stadium can host any major event.

Sources suggest that KSCA may face a prolonged period without hosting high-profile cricket, as trust in the venue's preparedness has come under serious scrutiny.

RCB fans are nervously watching these developments just days after the team’s maiden IPL trophy win. (With inputs from Agencies)