Cricket as a business has grown rapidly since the Indian Premier League (IPL) started in 2008. Some teams valued at around $100 million in the inaugural season are now valued at over $1 billion. Recent deals involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) show how the league has become one of the richest in global sport.

United Spirits Limited (USL) approved selling RCB to a group led by the Aditya Birla Group, Times Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s BXPE. The deal values the team at $1.78 billion. In another deal, a consortium led by Kal Somani fully bought Rajasthan Royals at a valuation of $1.63 billion.

A ‘billion-dollar’ journey

When the IPL was launched in 2008, eight franchises were sold at relatively low prices compared to current valuations:

• Mumbai Indians (MI): Bought by Reliance Industries for about $111.9 million

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Bought by India Cements for $91 million

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Bought by Vijay Mallya for $111.6 million

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Bought by a Shah Rukh Khan-led consortium for $75.1 million

• Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils): Bought by GMR Group for $84 million

• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Bought by a consortium including Preity Zinta for $76 million

• Rajasthan Royals (RR): Bought by Emerging Media for $67 million

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined later in 2012 after replacing Deccan Chargers, with Sun TV Network acquiring the franchise for about $85 million.

Ownership landscape in 2026

Today, IPL teams are backed by a mix of large conglomerates, private equity firms and high-profile individuals:

• Mumbai Indians: Reliance Industries (Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Aditya Birla Group-led consortium (with Times Group, Blackstone, Bolt Ventures)

• Chennai Super Kings: India Cements (N Srinivasan)

• Kolkata Knight Riders: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: Sun Group

• Delhi Capitals: JSW Sports and GMR Group (Parth Jindal, Kiran Kumar Grandhi)

• Rajasthan Royals: Kal Somani-led US consortium

• Punjab Kings: Mohit Burman, Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Karan Paul

• Gujarat Titans: Torrent Group (majority stake acquired from CVC Capital)

• Lucknow Super Giants: RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group

IPL: Current valuations

Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Valuation Study shows strong growth in team values, although brand value metrics differ from transaction valuations:

• RCB: $269 million (brand value, 2025)

• Mumbai Indians: $242 million

• Chennai Super Kings: $235 million

• Kolkata Knight Riders: $227 million

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: $154 million

• Delhi Capitals: $152 million

• Rajasthan Royals: $146 million

• Gujarat Titans: $142 million

• Punjab Kings: $141 million

• Lucknow Super Giants: $122 million

Delhi, Hyderabad IPL teams rebranded after ownership changes

Two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises — Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad — saw ownership changes that led to rebranding, though through different routes.

The Delhi franchise, originally launched as Delhi Daredevils in 2008, was bought by GMR Group for about $85 million. In 2018, JSW Sports acquired a 50 per cent stake for around ₹550 crore, after which the team was rebranded as Delhi Capitals.

In contrast, the Hyderabad franchise began as Deccan Chargers in 2008 but the Board of Control for Cricket in India terminated it in 2012 due to financial issues. The slot was rebid, and Sun TV Network acquired the new franchise for about ₹425 crore, launching Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013. This marked a complete replacement, unlike Delhi’s partial stake sale.

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are set to collide for the WBO heavyweight title in six weeks’ time, and Frazer Clarke, who has shared the ring with both men, has revealed his thoughts ahead of the fight.

Clarke famously battled to a draw when he challenged Wardley for the British heavyweight title in March 2024, that being the only blemish on Wardley’s otherwise perfect undefeated record. Although, seven months later, in their rematch, Clarke was knocked out in the opening round.

Since then, the Ipswich man has made major moves at the world level, halting both Justis Huni and Joseph Parker to first become the WBO Interim heavyweight champion, before Usyk’s title vacation saw him elevated to full WBO world champion.

Against Dubois, a former sparring partner of Clarke’s, Wardley has accepted a difficult challenge for an attempted first defence of his new belt.

Speaking to Boxing News, ‘Big Fraze’ admitted that he finds it hard to back against Wardley, given what he has achieved since their two fights.

“I keep changing my mind all of the time. Five minutes ago, on another interview, I was [leaning] one way but it’s just a fantastic fight. It is probably the fight with the most questions over the last few years, but I am looking forward to it.

“I can’t pick a winner, but I find it really hard to bet against Fabio nowadays because he has proved me wrong so many times.”

Wardley-Dubois takes place on Saturday, May 9, at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, in what may well be the most evenly-matched all-British heavyweight world title contest in boxing history.

James McDonald identifies likenesses linking Yulong’s priciest recent import Barnavara to superstar mare Via Sistina, with the former set for a challenging Sydney introduction.

The elite rider – fresh from three Group 1 successes at Rosehill Saturday that elevated his Australian tally to 131, overtaking Damien Oliver’s 129 – clocked time at Canterbury Quarantine on Tuesday, piloting Barnavara through a workout.

He waited until Via Sistina’s Australian premiere in the 2024 Ranvet Stakes for his initial mount, a dominant victory, yet spots resemblances in her imported form and that of Barnavara.

“I didn’t work Via before that first run. My first ride on her was the Ranvet, so I can’t really draw comparisons, but one thing I would say by looking at their form lines, they’re so consistent,” McDonald said.

“Via was probably running in better races, but this one is more lightly raced and unexposed, and her form reads so beautifully. She never puts a bad run in, and that’s what Via came out with as well.”

To southern hemisphere reckoning, Barnavara is a four-year-old mare bought by Yulong Investments for $A10.1 million equivalent at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, topping filly-in-training sales last year.

Victor of a French Group 1 at 2000m last time out, she headed to Chris Waller’s Rosehill base later Tuesday, targeting the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) over the weekend.

McDonald galloped her at Canterbury Friday too, highlighting her sharp uptick in condition.

“Beautiful mare. Great appetite for work, she loves her work, and she was a little bit stuffy then. The last (four) days, she has come on immensely,” he said.

“She feels really, really good, and I’d expect a huge performance from her this Saturday in the Neville Sellwood, that’s for sure.”

A new face like Barnavara enlivens the carnival for McDonald, who values riding such premium stock.

“It’s like unwrapping another Christmas present every weekend,” he said.

“We’re lucky they keep coming and we’re in a position to be able to ride them.

“When I came out here on Friday, the day before the Slipper, I was pretty excited to jump on her to see what she felt like, and she didn’t let me down.”

It’s been an eventful stretch for McDonald, who graced the Sydney premiere of his career documentary Monday night.

He much prefers horseback to glamour events, and with scant pause to mull his Golden Slipper Day glory, revels in its significance.

“It keeps rolling on and on, so there’s not much time to reflect,” McDonald said.

“In saying that, there were five exceptional performances in all the big races, and to have a bit of luck in three of them, it was special.”

Tuesday brought confirmation that Autumn Glow, his 131st Group 1 mount, eyes the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for her Sydney autumn finale.

Visit betting sites to find the latest racing odds for Neville Sellwood Stakes action.

Rasmus Hojlund has claimed that Ruben Amorim did not want him at Manchester United and opened up on his struggles at Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund has claimed Ruben Amorim did not want him at Manchester United and expressed his immense gratitude towards Napoli for getting his career back on track. Hojlund joined the Serie A champions on loan last summer and he has scored 14 times in 37 appearances so far this season.

However, he struggled to provide a consistent attacking threat at Old Trafford, scoring just 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions. And now speaking to Danish outlet TV2, Hojlund said: “I got what I wanted with my transfer.

“I got a team that believes in me a lot. A club that believes in me a lot. A sporting director, a president and a coach who wants me.”

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Before he continued: “I was put in a bit of a box at the end in Manchester. I knew there wouldn’t be much football for me if it continued like this.

“I was happy to play football in Manchester. I know that, especially in Denmark, a media image was formed that it was all just s**t and terrible, and that I played like a bag of nuts, but that’s not how I look at it.

“It’s hard not to be on your phone. And if you are on your phone, you’re bound to see what’s being written about you in some way. It can be all sorts of places these days, but often because you’re tagged on your Instagram or Facebook. So I would say it would be a lie for me to claim that you don’t get to read it.

“The media has so much to say in this football world, and it’s hard not to be influenced. But there’s a lot more behind it, and that’s why I return to the importance of never flying too high and, conversely, never diving too low.

“Now it’s portrayed as if I’m back and just doing really well. But inside myself my thoughts are in a completely different place. I’m self-critical. I still want to be even better, more involved in the games and score more goals, but it’s fun to observe how the image of me is constantly changing.

“It’s clear that there is also a difference between Napoli and Manchester United, especially in Denmark. But I have to live with the headlines – they will always be there because someone wants to use me as an eye-catcher.”

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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Various Prices

England Official Store

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

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Nike and The FA have launched England’s new training range featuring the AOP T-Shirt with an all-over lion design ahead of the World Cup

Whilst England’s new football kits have been making waves this week, The FA and Nike have discreetly unveiled a selection of new training attire alongside the latest jerseys for this summer’s World Cup. The range, available at the Official England Store, features hoodies, drill tops, t-shirts and joggers.

Leading the England 2026 Training Range is the England Nike AOP T-shirt. This laid-back black and grey cotton tee showcases the same all-over lion motif seen on the England 2026 Goalkeeper Shirt, with the England badge positioned on the right chest beneath a gold embroidered star symbolising the 1966 World Cup victory.

The England Nike Tech Fleece Windrunner Hoodie, designed with lightweight Tech Fleece inside and out for warmth, is also part of the collection. This light blue, full-zip hoodie is adorned with the England crest on the left chest, balanced by Nike’s swoosh on the right.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

Various Prices

England Official Store

Advertisement

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Complementing the hoodie are the England Nike Tech Fleece Pants, crafted from the same fleece fabric for optimum comfort, whether during training or lounging at home. The collection also includes the England Nike Strike Drill Training Top, sporting the same blue hue with Obsidian and Speed Red accents on the arms and shoulders, and an arched ‘England’ graphic on the back.

The England 2026 Training Range is available for purchase at the Official England Store and Nike. It accompanies the three new England kits that Thomas Tuchel’s squad will be donning this summer in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The England 2026 Home Shirt is presented in the customary pristine white with navy accents on the shoulders, cuffs and collar, complemented by a red stripe on each side. The England 2026 Away Shirt swaps purple for the classic red with white accents on the shoulders, navy cuffs, collar and sides, with the badge and Nike swoosh centrally placed.

The England 2026 Goalkeeper Shirt features a blue lion design and star graphic, with each jersey also bearing the phrase ‘happy and glorious’ within the collar. The Three Lions are set to showcase the new kits and training gear this Friday (March 26), when they welcome Uruguay for the first of two friendly matches this month.

Supporters can secure last-minute VIP and hospitality tickets for the match and the encounter with Japan on Tuesday (March 31) from £39 at Seat Unique. The England 2026 World Cup kits have once again sparked debate among fans, with many taking to social media to voice their initial reactions.

Posting on X, one fan commented: “Best home kit I’ve seen for some time.” However, not everyone is convinced, as another remarked: “Rethink the white shorts please, looks like a rugby kit.”

Regarding the away kit, one supporter expressed: “Love this and it’s great to see us have a red away kit again.”

The Sanctum of Temperance is a puzzle you encounter during the Witch of Wisdom quest in Chapter 5 of Crimson Desert. The quest requires you to restore a broken machine using a Fusion Core and Reactor, which you will have to uncover from ruins.

In this article, we guide you on how to fix the broken machine and how you can find the required items to do so.

Crimson Desert: Sanctum of Temperance solution

The Sanctum of Temperance in Crimson Desert is located in the Pororin Forest, just southeast of Hernand City.

To find the exact spot, you will need to travel past the Goldleaf Tradepost and head south. Along the cliffside, you will easily spot a cave/crevice. Go through it to find the entrance to the Sanctum of Temperance.

Note: The area will be guarded by enemies. Clear out each one to start working on the puzzle.

Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough on how to complete the Sanctum of Temperance:

Step 1: Find the Fusion Core

The Fusion Core looks like a stone block. You can find it at the bottom of the stairs near the entrance to the Sanctum of Temperance. Simply pick it up and store it in your KuKu Pot.

Step 2: Insert the Fusion Core

Go up to the broken machine and slot the Fusion Core into the empty slot. Use Force Palm to insert the Core into the machine.

Step 3: Burn the thorny vines

The Sanctum is packed with thorny vines blocking your paths to its various sections. Use flaming arrows or Blinding Flash to clear out these vines. This will further open up the area for exploration, leading to loot and the next set of objectives.

Step 4: Find the Fusion Reactor

Once you have cleared out the vines in the top area, you will find the Fusion Reactor. Store it in your KuKu Pot and return to the machine.

Step 5: Place the Fusion Reactor atop the tower

One of the four pillars near the broken machine will be missing the top piece. Place the Fusion Reactor on the pillar. Then, climb on top of the Reactor. Use Force Palm (while crouching down) to install the Reactor.

Once that’s done, a short cutscene will play out where the machine will power up, and the Sanctum of Temperance will be cleansed. This will complete the objective in this area.

Rewards for completing the Sanctum of Temperance

Here are the rewards for completing the Sanctum of Temperance:

• Kuku Lightning Spear Blueprint
• Kuku Bird Boltspitter Blueprint

Additionally, you can explore the area thoroughly to acquire some unique loot, including the Odeck’s Protector Plate Boots.

Check out our other Crimson Desert features and guides: