India, June 11 -- Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Wednesday shut down rumours about him buying the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in epic fashion. His statement came a day after RCB owners, Diageo India - the Indian arm of UK-based Diageo Plc - responded to speculation that part or all of the IPL franchise was up for sale

"I am not a mad man. I'm just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that's all. I don't have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge," Shivakumar told news agency ANI.

Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report said that the British distiller was in discussion with potential advisers on selling the club. D...