IPL 8: No Royal Challenge in Mallya's RCB anymore

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the cricket team of erstwhile Vijay Mallya-run United Spirit, has lost its main sponsorship in Royal Challenge as Diageo -- the new owner of the company -- isn't keen on sponsoring the Indian Premier League (IPL) team anymore. 

The eighth version of the IPL begins tomorrow and on April 5 RCB's captain Virat Kohli unveiled the team jersey for this year which was devoid of the sponsorship logo of Royal Challenge whiskey (see picture). 

Apart from Royal Challenge, the RCB jersey adorned other USL brands like McDowell's and Whyte and Mackay -- both of whom are missing from the jersey. 

Kingfisher continues to find space on the jersey as the brand is owned by United Breweries and not United Spirits. 

Mallya currently has 5% stake in USL but continues to be director and chairman of the RCB team. 

Royal Challenge is a whiskey brand sold by United Spirits Ltd which was owned by Vijay Mallya who sold the majority stake of British alcohol major Diageo. 

This has ignited rumours that the IPL team might change hands as Diageo isn't too keen on running a cricket team.