The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) finds itself embroiled in a fresh controversy, with current majority owner Manoj Badale accusing former co-owner Raj Kundra of blackmail. The allegations have surfaced in the London High Court, where Badale and his company, Emerging Media Ventures, are pursuing legal action against Kundra, claiming he breached a confidential settlement agreement established in 2019.

The heart of the dispute lies in Kundra's previous 11.7% stake in the Rajasthan Royals. He was compelled to relinquish this stake in 2015 after being found guilty of betting on IPL games. This scandal not only led to Kundra's ban from cricket but also resulted in a two-year suspension for the Rajasthan Royals franchise.

According to Badale's lawyer, Adam Speker, Kundra initiated contact with Badale recently, alleging that he was "misled and defrauded" regarding the actual value of his stake when he was forced to give it up. In an email, Kundra reportedly claimed to have filed a complaint with Indian authorities and even threatened to escalate the matter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Speker characterized these actions as a "blackmail attempt," especially since Kundra also hinted at a willingness to negotiate a settlement involving either the restoration of his original equity or financial compensation that mirrored the team's current valuation.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Kundra is alleged to have contacted Lalit Modi, the disgraced former IPL chairman, stating that Badale "did not realise cheating me of the true value would cost him dearly."

In response to these allegations, Badale's Emerging Media Ventures secured an interim injunction against Kundra on May 30th. This injunction prevents Kundra from making any disparaging statements or further breaching the 2019 settlement agreement.

Kundra, however, denies the accusations of blackmail. His lawyer, William McCormick, stated that Kundra has come into possession of information regarding the claimants and their legal team. McCormick suggested that if the claims against Kundra are unfounded, the truth "will be exposed in due course." He also clarified that Kundra's agreement to uphold the interim injunction should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.

The Rajasthan Royals, currently valued at an estimated $12 billion, have undergone several ownership changes since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008. This legal battle between Badale and Kundra threatens to tarnish the team's reputation and cast a shadow over its legacy.