Competition Commission of India Clears Westview Cricket and Poonawalla Sports' Acquisition of Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals

Key facts

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals by Westview Cricket Ltd and Poonawalla Sports and Fitness Pvt Ltd, announced on September 17, 2026.
• The deal, valued at approximately $1.65 billion, involves UK-registered Westview Cricket and Indian company Poonawalla Sports acquiring the franchises from EM Sporting Holdings Ltd and Royal Multisport Pvt Ltd.
• The CCI had sought additional information from the parties in August 2026 after finding the filing incomplete, and the approval indicates no appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
• Westview Cricket is the investment vehicle of the Lakshmi Mittal family, reported to take a 75% stake, while Poonawalla Sports, wholly owned by Adar Poonawalla, is reported to take an 18% stake, with existing shareholders retaining 7%.
• EM Sporting Holdings Ltd, incorporated in Mauritius, is the holding company for Royal Multisport Pvt Ltd, which owns Rajasthan Royals, as well as Paarl Royals Ltd and Barbados Royals Ltd.
• The acquisition still requires other applicable approvals and closing conditions before ownership transition is completed.