Veteran Australia Spinner Becomes Most Expensive Player in IPL History after RR Sale

In what was one of the biggest sale in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Royals (RR) got sold to US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani as the development was confirmed on Tuesday, March 23. Kal Somani group bought 100 per cent stakes in the franchise for $1.63 billion (approx. INR 15,000 crore).

However, one of their ex-players, after the deal, became the most expensive player in IPL because of the mastermind that he used earlier. It was none other than Shane Warne, who captained the side in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. The Australian spinner took his team to the title win in that edition and played a decent role in the franchise’s success afterwards as well.

Shane Warne Equity in Rajasthan Royals: Explained

When he was signed by the RR, Shane Warne took a salary of just INR 9.35 crore from the Rajasthan Royals for playing for 4 seasons. At that time, many were surprised by the move but it has turned out to be a masterstroke. After taking a salary of just INR 9.35 crore from Rajasthan Royals for playing for 4 seasons, Warne demanded 0.75% equity in RR every year till the time he plays for coming out of retirement.

Shane Warne played for just four seasons and ended up securing 3% equity in the Rajasthan Royals. With RR getting sold for $1.63 billion (approx. INR 15,000 crore), Shane Warne RR equity became approx INR 460 crore, which will now go to his family after his death.

Shane Warne in RR stake - How the Late Cricketer Predicted the Rise?

After Shane Warne RR equity became 3%, the former cricketer in an interview with The Herald Sun talked about the deal. At that time, he stated: “Part of my deal… they asked me to be the captain, coach and run a cricket team the way I wanted… I was the one-stop shop.”

“Three per cent of USD 400 million is all right,” predicting that the value would rise further. Coming to the RR sale, the new RR owners will take over the franchise after the IPL 2026. The 2008 champions were originally purchased for just USD 67 million in 2008 by Emerging Media, led by Manoj Badale.