The IPL 2019 is just a few months away and team Rajasthan Royals have decided to sell off 50% of their stake with an aim to get a financial boost. As per reports, the team has already approached the BCCI officials for the same and are looking for a new bidder. The team is currently owned by Manoj Badle, who is looking for a co-owner. After being banned for spot-fixing for a couple of years, the team made a comeback in 2018. RR Team in IPL 2019: List of Rajasthan Royals Players for Indian Premier League 12 After Auction.

A BCCI on the official of anonymity confirmed the news to a news agency. “Yes, Rajasthan Royals are selling a major part of their stakes and the highest bidder will be getting it. What we have heard is that it is around fifty percent and some of the biggest business houses in the country are apparently interested in buying stakes," a senior BCCI official privy to the development told was quoted as saying by PTI.

Now, as per the reports, Sanjay Goenka who owned Rising Pune Supergiants could partner Manoj for being the co-owner. The Rising Pune Supergiants had been runners up of the IPL 2016 under the captaincy of Steve Smith. "Mr Goenka has always been interested in coming back after he had a fairly good but short stint in the IPL. His team made it to the finals in one of the years. Let's wait and watch how it all pans out," the official said.

The Rajasthan Royals team is currently captained by Ajinkya Rahane and the team could get a boost with the return of Steve Smith for the upcoming season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2019 10:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).