Vijay Mallya’s Congratulatory Post to RCB Sparks Online Backlash
Soon after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lifted their long-awaited maiden IPL title in 2025, former team owner Vijay Mallya took to social media to extend his congratulations. What he likely intended as a celebratory message quickly turned controversial, triggering a wave of public backlash and online criticism.
The Tweet That Stirred the Hornet’s Nest
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Mallya wrote:
“Proud to see RCB finally bring the cup home. Always believed in the team. Congratulations to the players, staff, and most of all, the fans.”
While the tone was celebratory, many netizens interpreted it as an unwelcome attempt to reclaim relevance in a moment that belonged to the current squad and management.
Public Reminders of Legal Controversies
Users were quick to remind Mallya of his pending extradition case, financial fraud allegations, and fugitive status in India. Several replied with sarcastic comments such as “Now return the public money too” and “You cheered from the UK while fans cheered for decades here.” The tweet’s replies were flooded with demands for accountability over past business dealings.
RCB Fans Maintain Focus on Team, Not Ownership History
Despite the stir, a majority of RCB fans chose to redirect the spotlight back to the team’s victory, dismissing Mallya’s post as irrelevant. Fan pages and influencers emphasized that the current success was the result of new management, strategic planning, and a loyal fanbase, distancing the win from RCB’s earlier ownership era.
Mallya’s Association with RCB Remains Contentious
Vijay Mallya was one of the original franchise owners when the IPL launched in 2008, and under his ownership, RCB became one of the most followed teams despite never clinching the title. However, his financial controversies and eventual fallout with Indian regulators have since made his association with RCB a sensitive topic among fans and media alike.
A Celebration Overshadowed, Briefly
While the tweet stirred a brief online storm, it failed to distract from RCB’s crowning glory. The team and fans remain focused on celebrating their historic IPL 2025 win, leaving behind both the drought—and the ghosts of their ownership past.