Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s deepening passion for cricket and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is poised to redefine the franchise’s future as the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaches. SRK, long associated with the glamour and strategy behind KKR, is reportedly increasing his ownership stake by 35%—a deal estimated at ₹4,000 crore. This move would give him nearly 90% control of the team.
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently commented on SRK’s commitment to KKR, describing him as “genuinely obsessed” with KKR’s on-field strategies and off-field operations—so much so that the franchise is now more profitable than his film ventures. He said, “Shah Rukh Khan bought a cricket team when it started decades ago, look at the valuation today, why is it? It is because SRK is obsessed, passionate and sincerely active about his liaison with KKR. He is not just adding presence in that stadium or giving his name to that partnership. It is because he strategises, he engages, he obsesses, he gives hours of his time to that liaison. That is why it is such a profitable venture for him and that is why it’s probably bigger than any business in movies that he is engaged with.”
Shah Rukh Khan has made extensive changes to his team following their eighth-place finish in IPL 2025. Abhishek Nayar steps in as head coach, with former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as assistant coach. The appointments establish a new direction for the team, focusing on improving player performance.
At the high-stakes December 2025 auction in Abu Dhabi, KKR splurged on international talent, acquiring Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana for a record ₹18 crore and Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore. The latter signing, however, ignited political controversy in January 2026, with calls for Rahman’s removal amid regional tensions. BCCI officials have reportedly requested that KKR release Rahman, which would create an opportunity to sign another player.
The KKR team begins their first match of the season at Eden Gardens on March 28 2026, with Ajinkya Rahane serving as captain, after building up their roster through multiple additions. The IPL will showcase another Shahrukh Khan, a power hitter from Tamil Nadu who has been retained by the Gujarat Titans, which will lead to his name being frequently mentioned throughout the season, during games and other activities.
