The spotlight is firmly on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final, scheduled for Tuesday night at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, as excitement builds for a showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match has gained international attention, particularly following a significant wager placed by Canadian rapper Drake, who bet $750,000 on RCB to secure their first-ever IPL title. Through the crypto sports betting platform Stake, Drake’s bet carries odds of 1.75, meaning he could cash in $1,312,500 (around ₹11 crore) if RCB emerges victorious.
Drake embraced RCB’s famous slogan in his Instagram post: “Ee sala cup namde,” which translates to “This year, the cup is ours.” This marks his second venture into IPL wagering. In 2024, he publicly supported Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final against Sunrisers Hyderabad,, a decision that sparked discussions about a so-called “Drake Curse” concerning the teams he backs. Despite KKR winning during his last endorsement, some fans fear that his support might detrimentally impact RCB’s chances.
Both teams are pursuing their first IPL championship, with RCB, led by captain Rajat Patidar and bolstered by star batsman Virat Kohli’s impressive season, entering the final as slight favorites. Kohli, who has scored over 600 runs this season, hopes to change the team’s fortune after their last final appearance in 2016. Meanwhile, PBKS recovered with a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians to reach the final, fueled by captain Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable performance.
The IPL 2025 season has reportedly generated over a billion dollars in global bets, highlighting the league’s increasing commercial attraction. Drake’s deal with Stake has elevated the profile of crypto-betting, with estimates placing his earnings at around $100 million annually from his endorsements. As the final approaches, the event is poised to attract numerous celebrities, including Bollywood stars and cricket icons, further emphasizing the cultural significance of this match.
Regardless of the match’s outcome, Drake’s high-profile bet has undeniably raised the global profile of the IPL, showcasing not just cricket’s worldwide appeal but also an intriguing fusion of cultures. As fans chant “Ee sala cup namde” in the stadium, all eyes will be on RCB and the unfolding drama of the final, revealing the excitement of sports where hope and victory are just 40 overs away.