RCB Owners Diageo has dismissed the sale of stakes after several reports surfaced over the potential sale of the IPL franchise. Social media was abuzz with rumours, with many suggesting that the company was looking to capitalise on RCB’s victory in IPL 2025.

However, United Spirits issued a clarification denying any such reports. No decision is final, and they may decide against selling the team, the people said, asking not to be named as the details are private.

“This has reference to your email communication dated 10th June 2025 seeking clarification from the Company on media reports in relation to potential stake sale of RCB,” said the statement from United Spirits.

“The Company would like to clarify that aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussions,” said United Spirits to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has strongly criticised the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise and the Karnataka state government for the Bengaluru Stampede which costed several injuries and 11 dead.

Following RCB’s maiden title win, thousands of jubilant fans gathered outside the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium where the official celebrations were held.

However, the event ended up in tragedy as overcrowded venue led to chaos when fans tried forcefully enter the stadium, resulting in deadly stampede.

Speaking to media Lalit Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and labelled the incident as a case of gross mismanagement.

“First and foremost, my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede. This should never have happened. The entire event was poorly planned and executed,” Modi said.

“There is so much mudslinging and finger-pointing going on, but the issue is simple — the event should never have been allowed without proper arrangements in place. The authorities failed, and the team management should also have ensured fan safety before participating in the so-called celebrations,” concluded Lalit Modi.