Watch: Akash Ambani shakes hands with RCB management after they refuse to use RTM card for Will Jacks

Akash Ambani, the owner of the Mumbai Indians, approached the Royal Challengers Bengaluru management table after the latter failed to use their Right To Match (RTM) card for their now-former player, Will Jacks, in an intriguing scene at the Indian Premier League’s 2025 mega auction.

The management of MI had been slow to make a move for Jacks, whose starting price was INR 2 crore. The hard-hitting all-round player, who debuted in the Indian Premier League in 2024, was reportedly in a battle between MI and the Punjab Kings. Jacks was ultimately acquired by MI at a cost of INR 5.25 crore when PBKS drifted away. The RCB management was expected to use its RTM card for Jacks both before and during the auction in Jeddah, but they chose not to do so.

After receiving congratulations from his mother, Nita Ambani, and head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, Akash Ambani walked to the table where

The RCB decision-makers were situated to shake hands with some of their stakeholders, including Mo Bobat, the franchise’s director of cricket. Naturally, Akash was ecstatic to have landed Jacks in what can only be described as a steal for the franchise with the joint-highest revenue.

MOMENTS OF THE IPL AUCTION..!!!

– Akash Ambani shake hands and hugging RCB’s owner after getting Will Jacks in the auction.
pic.twitter.com/uvixlARrOD

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) November 25, 2024

MI hire Reece Topley.

The acquisition of Reece Topley, another English talent, by MI has also been finalised as the IPL 2025 big auction in Saudi Arabia continues to sparkle. For the left-seamer, MI’s bid was the first and last one.

At his initial price of INR 75 lakh, Topley was sold. The RTM card was not used for him by RCB either. Topley spent just two seasons with RCB, playing just five games.