Kolkata Knight Riders owners with the IPL 2024 trophy [Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com]
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the most successful teams in the IPL, renowned for a mix of cricket, Bollywood, and pure entertainment. With three IPL titles (2012, 2014 & 2024), KKR has a special place in the league’s history.
Thanks to their fearless cricket and Shah Rukh Khan’s star power, they’ve built a fanbase that stretches across the globe. A big reason behind KKR’s success is its owners. Led by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR has grown into a brand that fans love to follow.
Here’s a closer look at Kolkata Knight Riders owners who run the show behind this powerhouse franchise.
Kolkata Knight Riders Owner: Knight Riders Sports Private Limited
KKR is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment holding 55% of the team and the Mehta Group owning the remaining 45%.
The KKR owners have brought passion and personality into the team. Shah Rukh and Juhi Chawla’s business acumen and star power alongside Jay Mehta’s experience make KKR’s ownership one of the most unique in the IPL.
Key Figures in Ownership
Let’s start with the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. His movies might make him a global star, but his love for cricket is what makes him the perfect co-owner for KKR. He’s often seen at Eden Gardens cheering for the team with his family. His kids Suhana and Aryan have also started attending IPL auctions, which shows that the next generation is already involved.
Then there’s Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, who own the Mehta Group. They bring business expertise and a steady hand to the table. Their daughter Janhavi Mehta is also an avid cricket fan and is often spotted among the KKR members at the IPL auction.
KKR’s Ownership History
KKR has had the same owners since 2008, and that’s been a huge factor in their stability. While some teams have gone through changes in management, KKR has stuck with Shah Rukh, Juhi, and Jay.
The team didn’t win right away, but once they lifted the trophy in 2012, there was no looking back. With three IPL titles and a loyal fanbase, KKR is one of the most recognized teams in the league today.
Knight Riders Sports Private Limited: Controversies and Legal Challenges
Like any big franchise, KKR has had its share of controversies:
- FEMA Violation Notice: Shah Rukh, Gauri Khan, and Juhi Chawla were issued a notice for violating FEMA rules. The issue? Shares were allegedly sold at a lower price, causing a foreign exchange loss of ₹73.6 crore.
- Wankhede Ban: In 2012, Shah Rukh was banned from entering Wankhede Stadium after a scuffle with security. SRK said he only got angry because the guards mishandled his kids. The ban was lifted two years early in 2015.
- Sunil Narine Drama: Before IPL 2015, KKR almost pulled out of the tournament after the BCCI questioned Sunil Narine’s bowling action. The team stood by their star spinner and fought hard to get him cleared.
Business Ventures and Affiliations
KKR’s owners have turned the team into a global brand. Here’s where else they’ve expanded:
- Trinbago Knight Riders: Competes in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
- Cape Town Knight Riders: Plays in South Africa’s SA20 league.
- LA Knight Riders: A team in the USA’s Major League Cricket.
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Competes in the UAE’s ILT20 league.
Their influence doesn’t stop at cricket. KKR is a worldwide name, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan’s popularity and the team’s bold brand of cricket. They’ve also built a strong merchandise lineup, which keeps fans connected to the team beyond the matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Who owns Kolkata Knight Riders?
Answer: KKR is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta.
Q.2. Who are the key figures in the team’s ownership?
Answer: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta are the main faces behind KKR.
Q.3. What controversies has the ownership faced, if any?
Answer: KKR’s owners have dealt with issues like a FEMA violation notice, Shah Rukh’s Wankhede ban, and the Sunil Narine bowling action controversy.
Q.4. What other ventures are associated with the team’s owners?
Answer: They own teams in the CPL, SA20, MLC, and ILT20, which makes KKR a global cricketing brand.