Vijay Mallya Takes Swipe at Critics of His RCB Vanity Project

From his residence in the UK, embattled businessman Vijay Mallya has issued a pointed response to long-standing critics who once dismissed his acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a mere “vanity project.” In a series of social media posts and a brief statement, Mallya highlighted the franchise’s current status as one of the most valuable and beloved sporting brands in the world. He pointed to the team’s record-breaking fan engagement, the sell-out crowds at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the massive commercial valuations that the IPL has achieved as vindication of his initial 2008 investment.

The timing of Mallya’s comments coincides with the buildup to the IPL 2026 season, where RCB continues to dominate headlines through both its star-studded roster and its emotional tributes to fans. While Mallya remains a fugitive from Indian justice facing charges of bank fraud and money laundering, he claimed that his “vision for a lifestyle brand” laid the groundwork for the modern IPL success story. His remarks have sparked a polarized debate among cricket enthusiasts: while some acknowledge his role in shaping the league’s early glamour and aggressive marketing, others view his comments as a tone-deaf attempt to claim credit while still evading the Indian legal system.