A house belonging to J. Jayalalithaa has been sealed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) over pending property tax dues that have remained unpaid since 2017. The total property tax dues accumulated to ₹1.6 crore before waivers, but after applying the waivers, the total payable amount was reduced to approximately ₹83 lakh.

The property, categorized as ‘Commercial’, is currently rented by Vijay Mallya. It remains registered under Jayalalithaa’s name in GHMC records, despite her passing in December 2016. In May 2020, the Madras High Court declared her nephew and niece as her legal heirs, allowing them to manage her estate.

The GHMC has issued a ‘Red Notice’ due to the non-payment of dues, which currently stand at ₹82.91 lakh after rebates under the One-Time Settlement scheme. This scheme offers a 90% waiver on accumulated interest for property tax arrears, aimed at encouraging timely payments.

Despite repeated efforts to recover the outstanding dues, no payments have been made. The GHMC has stated that the property will remain under its custody until the outstanding dues are cleared, highlighting the ongoing challenges in resolving this property tax dispute.

Observers note that the situation reflects broader issues regarding property tax management and enforcement in Hyderabad, particularly concerning high-profile estates. The legal heirs of Jayalalithaa are expected to address the outstanding dues, but details remain unconfirmed.

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In a significant development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has been appointed as the chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026. This change comes after the franchise was acquired for a record $1.78 billion by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone.

The acquisition values RCB at approximately INR 166.6 billion, marking a remarkable increase from the INR 450 crores paid by former owner Vijay Mallya in 2008. Mallya’s tenure as owner was marred by financial scandals, leading to the eventual sale of the franchise.

RCB, which won its first IPL trophy in 2025, is now the defending champion heading into the 2026 season. Under the leadership of captain Rajat Patidar, the team aims to build on its recent success.

Vijay Mallya expressed his sentiments on the franchise’s journey, stating, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project.” His comments reflect the transformation of RCB from a struggling team to a championship-winning franchise.

As the IPL 2026 season opener approaches, excitement is palpable in Bengaluru. Mallya remarked, “It’s a massive night here in Bengaluru with the IPL 2026 season opener at the Chinnaswamy.” His enthusiasm for the team’s achievements remains evident, despite the change in ownership.

In light of the recent acquisition, reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed, with many acknowledging the financial prowess of the new owners while also reflecting on Mallya’s legacy. One observer noted, “Buying RCB in 2008 was a brilliant idea. It was your brainchild. The sale in 2026 for an extraordinary price must have been bittersweet—but your vision and sportsmanship are truly admirable.”

The transition to new ownership marks a new chapter for RCB, with Thomas now at the helm. The franchise’s future will be closely watched as it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead in the competitive landscape of the IPL.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the strategic plans Thomas may implement to enhance the team’s performance and marketability. However, the acquisition signals a commitment to elevating RCB’s status in the cricketing world.

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“Most people laughed at my investment,” remarked Vijay Mallya, reflecting on the journey of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the team prepares to kick off its IPL 2026 campaign.

The tournament is set to begin on March 28, 2026, with RCB facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST.

RCB’s recent history has been marked by significant changes, including a record sale price of $1.78 billion in March 2026, which translates to approximately ₹16,600 crore. This sale includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL team.

Vijay Mallya, who originally purchased RCB in 2008 for ₹450 crore, noted, “RCB is part of my DNA,” highlighting his deep connection to the franchise. Since its acquisition, RCB’s valuation has skyrocketed by more than 1,400 percent.

RCB’s first match will set the tone for the season, following a triumphant 2025 where they clinched their first IPL title. The team is looking to build on this success as they enter the new season.

In addition to the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB’s schedule includes a notable game against Delhi Capitals on April 18, 2026, starting at 3:30 PM IST.

The IPL continues to gain global stature and investor confidence, making it an exciting time for franchises like RCB. As the league grows, the anticipation surrounding each season increases.

With the new ownership and a fresh season ahead, fans are eager to see how RCB will perform in the upcoming matches. The franchise’s journey from being one of the most expensive teams at its inception to its current valuation reflects the evolving landscape of cricket.

As the opening match approaches, RCB’s supporters are hopeful for a strong start to the season and a chance to defend their title.

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The future of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise is poised for significant change as Diageo has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for final bids on its 65% controlling stake. This sale could potentially fetch up to $2 billion, highlighting the franchise’s immense value within the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Currently owned by Diageo through United Spirits, RCB is regarded as one of the most valuable sports properties in the subcontinent. Following a title win in 2025, the franchise experienced a remarkable 73% surge in revenue, further enhancing its market appeal.

Two main parties are competing for the purchase: a consortium led by EQT and another led by Ranjan Pai, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co. (KKR), and Temasek. Previously, the Glazer family and Adar Poonawalla expressed interest but reportedly maxed out their offers at $1.8 billion, which is below the expected valuation.

The IPL season is set to commence on March 28, 2026, with RCB scheduled to play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on the same day. This timing adds urgency to the bidding process, as the new ownership could influence the team’s strategy and performance in the upcoming season.

Diageo’s decision to divest its stake stems from its view of the franchise as non-core to its primary interests in the beverage industry, despite its role as a significant advertisement for the Royal Challenge Indian whisky brand.

As the deadline approaches, the competitive landscape for RCB’s ownership continues to evolve. The current binding bids are reported to be between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion, indicating strong interest but also a gap from the anticipated sale price.

RCB remains one of the most popular teams in the cash-rich IPL, and the outcome of this sale could have lasting implications for the franchise’s future direction and investment in player acquisitions.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact terms of the bids and the final decision timeline, but the upcoming weeks are expected to bring clarity to this high-stakes negotiation.

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