“0.5% could change everything” - Paul Van Meekeren reacts to RCB sale, urges IPL owners to support Netherlands

Paul van Meekeren remains a vocal advocate for associate nations trying to bridge the gap with full-member teams. The Netherlands fast bowler suggested that even receiving just 0.5% of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru valuation could significantly transform global cricket.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"If only they could give 0.5% to @KNCBcricket we could close the gap to full members and make the sport so much more global @RCBTweets," Paul Van Meekeren wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

If only they could give 0.5% to @KNCBcricket 🙏🙏 we could close the gap to full members and make the sport so much more global 💪🏆 @RCBTweets https://t.co/4pfrha6Rr4

— Paul van Meekeren (@paulvanmeekeren) March 24, 2026

Under the new ownership structure, Aditya Birla Group director Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as the chairman of RCB. Meanwhile, Times Group representative Satyan Gajwani will take on the vice-chairman role to guide both the men’s and women’s teams through the new corporate era.

Associate Nations Push for More Opportunities After T20 World Cup 2026

The Netherlands national cricket team showed strong competitiveness during the T20 World Cup 2026. They exited the tournament in the group stage with one win but delivered some impressive performances against top teams.

Paul van Meekeren and his teammates gave Pakistan a tough challenge and also put in a commendable effort against India. Their performances highlighted the growing strength of associate nations on the global stage.

After the tournament, several associate players called for structural changes and more regular matches against top teams. Oman captain Jatinder Singh and Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards urged the ICC to expand bilateral opportunities beyond major events.

RCB Sale Highlights IPL’s Growing Financial Power

United Spirits Limited began a strategic review of its franchise stake last November as part of a broader business decision.

The Indian arm of Diageo identified Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a non-core asset, prompting the company to capitalize on the rapidly rising valuation of IPL franchises through a major sale.

Investment bank Houlihan Lokey recently valued the Indian Premier League at an impressive $18.5 billion, driven by strong team revenues and high-value broadcasting deals.

As a result, the RCB sale for $1.78 billion became the most expensive franchise transaction in cricket history, underlining the league’s massive commercial growth.

This was not the only major ownership shift in the IPL. A US-based consortium led by Kal Somani also acquired Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion. These billion-dollar deals reflect the IPL’s growing global appeal and financial strength ahead of the 2026 season.

Also read: Jonny Bairstow blasts Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes over Mark Wood’s injury struggles