As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) final approaches, excitement and anticipation are reaching fever pitch. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, June 3rd. Adding to the thrill, several celebrities and public figures are throwing their support behind their favorite teams, with some even placing significant wagers on the outcome.
Among those making headlines is renowned Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, who has reportedly bet over ₹3 crore on Preity Zinta's Punjab Kings to emerge victorious. Aujla, a popular figure in the Bollywood and Punjabi music scene, has publicly displayed his support for his home team. He shared his bet, amounting to CA$500,000 (₹3.1 crore), on his Instagram story, accompanied by the caption "Let's go Punjab." With odds of 1.90, Aujla stands to win approximately ₹5.98 crore if PBKS defeats RCB.
Aujla's hefty bet underscores the confidence he has in the Punjab Kings, who are making their second-ever IPL final appearance, their first since 2014. The Shreyas Iyer-led squad has been a revelation this season, topping the points table after the league stage with nine wins, demonstrating remarkable consistency and team spirit. After a setback in Qualifier 1 against RCB, PBKS bounced back strongly by defeating five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2.
Adding an international flavor to the betting scene is Canadian rapper Drake, who has placed a staggering ₹76.4 crore bet on Royal Challengers Bengaluru through a crypto-betting platform called Stake. Drake stands to win ₹112 crore if RCB clinches the title. Drake has a history of betting on sports events, often with mixed results, leading to the humorous "Drake Curse" phenomenon, where teams or athletes he supports tend to lose.
Meanwhile, Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings, has expressed her excitement and support as the team reached the IPL 2025 final. She praised Shreyas Iyer's leadership, the coaching staff, and key players for their contributions. Zinta's message reflects the team's collective spirit and the fans' hopes as Punjab Kings aim for their first IPL title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Zinta has been a regular presence at PBKS matches throughout the season, took to social media to share an emotional visual montage and a spirited note for the team.
The IPL 2025 final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both RCB and PBKS vying for their first-ever IPL title. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable, both on and off the field.
