Rajasthan Royals Owner Accuses Former Co-Owner Raj Kundra of Blackmail in UK Court

Manoj Badale, the majority owner of the Indian Premier League cricket franchise Rajasthan Royals, has accused his former co-owner Raj Kundra of attempting to blackmail him by alleging that he was defrauded of his minority stake in the team. Badale and his company, Emerging Media Ventures, are suing Kundra in London's High Court for breaching a 2019 confidential settlement agreement related to Kundra's former 11.7% stake, which he forfeited after being found guilty of betting on IPL games in 2015. Kundra allegedly threatened to report serious allegations to Indian authorities and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but also expressed willingness to negotiate compensation or restoration of his equity based on the franchise's current valuation. Badale's lawyer described Kundra's communications as a blackmail attempt and noted that Kundra also contacted disgraced IPL founder Lalit Modi, warning of consequences. An interim injunction was obtained by Badale and Emerging Media Ventures to prevent Kundra from breaching the settlement agreement. Kundra denies wrongdoing and has suggested that the truth will emerge in due course.