"I Don't Even Drink Royal Challenge": Karnataka Deputy CM's Stunning Statement On Buying RCB

DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka deputy Chief Minister, has dismissed the ongoing rumours linking him to a potential purchase of the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Just days after winning their maiden IPL title, the Bengaluru-based outfit is being linked to a potential sale. The IPL franchise is owned by United Spirits Ltd, a subsidiary of the British company Diageo Plc.

A recent report from Bloomberg stated that the British company is exploring the possibility of selling all of its stake in the IPL franchise as it faces regulatory pressure from the Union Health Ministry.

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The report also stated that the company wants to capitalise on the franchise's soaring value after the historic IPL triumph. Things are also not going well for Diageo due to a decline in premium liquor sales. The news outlet reported that the company is looking to sell Royal Challengers Bengaluru to free up funds and focus on its main operations.

I am not a mad man - DK Shivakumar on buying Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

As soon as the reports emerged, DK Shivakumar's name started doing the rounds as a potential buyer. However, the Karnataka deputy CM has quashed the rumours with a humorous response. He distanced himself from the speculation and made it clear that he has not interested in buying RCB.

"I am not a mad man. I'm just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that's all. I don't have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge," said Shivakumar.

#WATCH | Delhi | "I am not a mad man. I'm just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that's all. I don't have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge," says Karnataka Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/iZ1K1by206

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2025

Shivakumar was recently in the spotlight following the deadly stampede in Bengaluru during the victory celebration. He was inside the M. Chinnaswamy stadium with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team when the stampede broke out and left 11 dead and more than 30 injured.

Meanwhile, Diageo has also responded to the rumours and has categorically denied them. In a letter to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and BSE Surveillance Department on Tuesday (June 10), a Diageo India official said that the media reports about the sale of RCB are speculative in nature.

"The company would like to clarify that the aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussion. This is for your information and records," Mital Sanghvi, the company secretary, told BSE as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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