(Image source from: Reddit.com)

Australian cricket great Shane Warne was not only skilled at bowling but also had a sharp mind for making smart decisions. When he took on the role of captain for the Rajasthan Royals during the first season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, he included a special clause in his agreement that is expected to bring a significant financial gain to his family almost twenty years later. This clause became active when the Rajasthan Royals were sold to a US-based group led by Kal Somani for an impressive amount of USD 1.63 billion, which is about INR 15,290 crore. When the Royals signed Warne right before the 2008 season, he not only became captain but also had full authority over cricket activities for the franchise. According to the arrangement, the late Australian star received a 0.75% ownership interest for each year he was part of the team.

“Part of my deal… they asked me to be the captain, coach, and run a cricket team the way I wanted… I was the one-stop shop,” Warne mentioned in a conversation with The Herald Sun. Warne played with the franchise for four seasons and notably led the team to victory in their first season in 2008. As a result, his total ownership share in the franchise grew to 3%. With the franchise now sold for USD 1.63 billion, his share is valued at around INR 450–460 crore. His family will have the chance to sell this stake and take the money home after the IPL concludes in 2026, although this transaction must receive approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Initially, the franchise was bought for only USD 67 million in 2008 by Emerging Media, headed by Manoj Badale. Sadly, Warne is no longer alive to see this event, having passed away in 2022. Nonetheless, his insight ensures that his family will benefit greatly from the agreement he made 18 years ago.