Cricket has transformed from a colonial pastime into a multi-billion-dollar industry. While star players draw the limelight, the real power often lies behind the scenes. Enter the team owners. These individuals and conglomerates are the driving force behind cricket’s evolution. From Indian stadiums packed with fans to tech-savvy academies in South Africa and international broadcast rights, they shape it all. Let’s explore some of the world’s richest cricket team owners.
Mukesh Ambani and the Mumbai Indians
Take Mukesh Ambani. He chairs Reliance Industries and owns the Mumbai Indians. Not only is he the richest man in India, but his influence on the game is profound. Mumbai Indians are serial winners in the IPL. His sports investments stretch across countries, including South Africa and the UAE. Under Ambani, the franchise has become a blueprint for success. It’s not just about victories. It’s about infrastructure, youth programs, and consistent dominance.
Corporate Power: Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans are a different story. Formed in 2021, they’re backed by CVC Capital Partners and Torrent Group. Big money, big ambition. In 2022, they stunned everyone by winning the IPL in their debut season. It was more than a win. It was a message. Private equity is here, and it’s playing to win. CVC’s entry into the cricket ecosystem suggests that franchises are being viewed as long-term commercial assets.
Srinivasan and Chennai Super Kings
Srinivasan isn’t new to the scene. The former BCCI and ICC head owns Chennai Super Kings through India Cements. His team is a model of stability and loyalty. Players stick around. Fans stay loyal. Trophies keep coming. And Srinivasan continues to guide it all with an iron grip and a sharp mind. Few owners are as entrenched in cricket governance as he is.
Star Power: Kolkata Knight Riders
Now imagine Shah Rukh Khan, lights flashing, music blaring. That’s the energy he brings to Kolkata Knight Riders. Along with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, he’s made KKR a fan favorite. It’s not just about cricket here. It’s about spectacle. Their global footprint now extends to teams in the US and the Caribbean. KKR was among the first to understand that cricket could also be content.
Sanjiv Goenka and Lucknow Super Giants
Sanjiv Goenka knew what he was doing when he bought the Lucknow Super Giants. He had tried before with the Rising Pune Supergiant. This time, he came prepared. He paid a record price. He built a solid team. And within a season, Lucknow was a threat. Methodical. Measured. Successful. His boardroom precision is evident in how the team operates.
Media Muscle: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Kalanithi Maran, the media tycoon behind Sun TV, owns Sunrisers Hyderabad. He understands branding better than most. The team has won once, but more importantly, it has stayed relevant. That’s not easy. Especially in a league this competitive. But Maran knows how to sell a story and build a loyal fan base. His background in media gives Sunrisers an edge in digital engagement. You can follow the latest Sunrisers updates on https://www.10crics.com/cricket/.
Delhi Capitals and Strategic Collaboration
In Delhi, things have changed. The GMR Group joined forces with Parth Jindal’s JSW Group in 2018. Since then, the Capitals have looked sharper, smarter. Jindal’s youth and international approach have helped. The team isn’t just better on paper. It’s more exciting. There’s a plan now. And it’s working. Their focus on high-performance science and foreign coaching talent is notable.
Rajasthan Royals: Innovation and Youth
Rajasthan Royals won the first IPL. Since then, they’ve gone quiet, but not irrelevant. Manoj Badale leads the group that owns them. His focus? Analytics. Youth. Long-term vision. The Royals don’t always make headlines. But they always seem to discover the next big thing. And that matters. The team is a consistent breeding ground for fresh Indian talent.
Celebrity Blend: Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings haven’t won yet. But they’re still talked about. Why? Because of who owns them. Preity Zinta is the public face. Behind her are Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, and Karan Paul. Business meets Bollywood. It’s a mix that keeps fans engaged, even when the results fall short. The team often goes viral, even when it doesn’t top the table.
RCB and the Rise to Glory
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had always been the nearly-men of the IPL. Great squads. Huge fan base. No titles. Until 2025. Owned by United Spirits, a Diageo brand, RCB finally delivered. Years of heartbreak turned into one long celebration. And a reputation finally matched its resources. Kohli’s loyalty to the franchise only amplified the emotional payoff.
More Than Owners
These people do more than pay salaries. They fund academies. They push tech. They bring in international stars. They help the sport grow beyond its borders. Some even reshape how we watch and understand the game. And as cricket moves into new markets, their influence grows too. Ownership now includes responsibility, commercial, cultural, and developmental. They are figureheads, in many cases, far more than just the financier behind the scenes. A good owner should act as a talisman that drives the club forward to new successes.
The Future of Ownership in Cricket
Cricket’s power base has shifted. It’s no longer in the hands of boards alone. Investors now write the rules, or at least influence them. Entertainment, analytics, international leagues, owners are behind it all. They’re turning cricket into an integrated global product.
Looking ahead, don’t be surprised if these figures become even more influential. They’re not just chasing trophies. They’re building empires. And they’re betting big that cricket’s best days are still to come. The next phase might involve expansion into newer markets, new formats, and entirely new ways to experience the game.
This isn’t unique to cricket, either. We’re seeing wealth owners transform sport across the globe, from conglomerate-owned football clubs to new boxing opportunities in the Middle East. This is a new trend that looks set to change the face of the sporting world as we know it and bring about a new era of sports entertainment.