Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Raj Kundra Reveals IPL Team Purchase as Valentine's Gift
Raj Kundra bought a share in the IPL team Rajasthan Royals in 2009 as a Valentine's Day gift for his wife, Shilpa Shetty.
He spent Rs 81.9 crore on the purchase, which was valued at Rs 700 crore at the time.
Kundra claimed it was the largest single cheque investment in the IPL.
He explained that the team's profits come from TV deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
However, he was later accused of betting and suspended for life by the Supreme Court-appointed committee.
Kundra maintains his innocence, stating that the betting allegations were minor and involved casual conversations.
Raj Kundra bought an 11.7% share in Rajasthan Royals in 2009 for Rs 81.9 crore as a Valentine's Day gift for Shilpa Shetty.
The team was valued at Rs 700 crore at the time of purchase, now worth Rs 16,000 crore.
Kundra claimed his investment was the largest single cheque in the IPL.
IPL teams now make annual profits of Rs 200-500 crore through TV deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
Kundra was accused of betting, leading to a life suspension by the Supreme Court-appointed committee in 2015.
- Who
- Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty
- What
- Purchase of an IPL team share
- When
- 2009
- Where
- India
- Why
- As a Valentine's Day gift and to establish a business in India
Raj Kundra's Perspective
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Purchase Motivation
Raj Kundra's Perspective
Raj Kundra bought the IPL team share as a Valentine's Day gift for his wife, Shilpa Shetty, and to establish a business in India.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The purchase and subsequent betting allegations raise ethical and legal concerns about the integrity of the IPL.
Betting Allegations
Raj Kundra's Perspective
Raj Kundra claims the betting allegations were minor and involved casual conversations, not serious betting.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The legal system found the allegations serious enough to suspend Kundra for life, indicating a breach of IPL regulations.
- Purchase Year
- 2009
- Team Valuation at Purchase
- Rs 700 crore
- Kundra's Share
- 11.7%
- Current Team Valuation
- Rs 16,000 crore
- Annual Profit per Team
- Rs 200-500 crore
- Suspension Year
- 2015