From Manoj Badale to new Owners: Royals’ Guwahati chapter at a crucial crossroads
✒️ Manashjyoti Goswami–
The arrival of Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 has once again brought the city into the national cricketing spotlight, even as a significant ownership transition looms in the background. While the future under new investors remains uncertain, the present moment firmly belongs to the Royals’ continued commitment to Guwahati an association shaped under the leadership of current owner Manoj Badale.
The team landed in the city on Monday afternoon via a special flight from Jaipur, receiving a grand welcome at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Enthusiastic fans, many clad in pink jerseys and waving team flags, gathered in large numbers, chanting “Halla Bol” as they greeted the players. The squad, accompanied by head coach Kumar Sangakkara and support staff, was escorted to their hotel under tight security.
However, Assam’s own Riyan Parag, who will lead the side this season, was not part of the traveling group due to his commitment at the IPL captains’ meet. His expected arrival in the city is eagerly awaited, with local fans keen to witness their homegrown star captain the franchise on familiar turf.
Rajasthan Royals will play three matches in Guwahati this season, beginning with a high voltage clash against Chennai Super Kings on March 30, followed by fixtures against Mumbai Indians on April 7 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10. These matches are expected to draw packed crowds and reinforce Guwahati’s credentials as a capable IPL host city.
While the excitement around these fixtures builds, discussions have also intensified around the recent acquisition of the franchise by a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani. The group reportedly secured 100 percent ownership of Rajasthan Royals in a deal valued at $1.63 billion. The consortium includes prominent global investors such as Rob Walton and Sheila Ford Hamp, bringing with them significant experience in global sports and business.
However, the transition will only come into effect after the conclusion of IPL 2026, meaning the current season continues under the stewardship of Manoj Badale and the existing management. It is under Badale’s leadership that Rajasthan Royals embraced Guwahati as a second home venue an important decision that has played a key role in expanding the IPL’s footprint in the Northeast.
Badale’s vision to take the franchise beyond its traditional base in Jaipur has not only given Guwahati the opportunity to host top tier IPL matches but has also helped nurture a strong fan base in the region. The move has been widely appreciated by cricket followers and administrators alike, as it opened doors for a relatively underrepresented region to experience the league’s electrifying atmosphere first hand.
As discussions around the new ownership continue, it remains unclear whether the incoming investors will maintain this regional outreach strategy. There has been no official indication yet on whether Guwahati will continue to host Rajasthan Royals matches beyond IPL 2026. For now, the focus remains on the present season and the successful conduct of the scheduled games.
The impact of the Royals’ presence in Guwahati is already visible. The city is witnessing heightened activity, from increased hotel bookings to a surge in ticket demand. Local businesses are gearing up for match days, while fans across Assam and the Northeast are preparing to turn up in large numbers.
The emotional connect is particularly strong this year with Riyan Parag at the helm. His journey from Assam to leading an IPL franchise has added a layer of pride and anticipation among local supporters, making the Guwahati leg of Rajasthan Royals’ campaign even more significant.
As the countdown to the first match begins, Guwahati finds itself once again at the heart of IPL action. While the future under new ownership remains to be seen, the foundation laid by Manoj Badale in bringing top-level cricket to the city has already left a lasting impact.
For now, all eyes are on the field, as Rajasthan Royals gear up to deliver thrilling cricket and Guwahati prepares to embrace the spectacle once more.
