Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings (PBKS), reportedly clashed at a BCCI meeting in Mumbai. The gathering to discuss IPL plans rapidly descended into a huge auction debate.
As KKR won the IPL this year, Shah Rukh Khan opposed the massive auction. KKR won their third title after winning the group stage and beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs and final. Khan stated that “it takes a lot of time to build” a good team and stressed the significance of maintaining important players. Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran supported him throughout the heated dispute.
However, PBKS’ Ness Wadia opposed large retentions. The PBKS squad finished eighth with five wins in 14 matches. During the meeting, Khan and Wadia argued about Wadia’s viewpoint.
Some franchises wanted eight retentions before the major auction, according to reports before the meeting. With two new teams in 2022, the Right to Match (RTM) option was removed. There were also suggestions to reinstate it. The group also discussed the consequences of foreign players defaulting on their contracts, which might derail franchise plans.
The Ambanis, owners of Mumbai Indians, attended via video conference, although numerous other significant franchise owners were present at BCCI headquarters. Delhi Capitals’ Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Lucknow Super Giants’ Sanjiv Goenka, Chennai Super Kings’ Rupa Gurunath, Rajasthan Royals’ Manoj Badale, and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Prathmesh Mishra.
As the IPL prepares for another season, these meetings will affect team dynamics and the event. Shah Rukh Khan and Ness Wadia’s fight shows the different perspectives and high stakes of IPL teambuilding.