Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is one of the most recognizable teams in the IPL. With bright orange jerseys, a reputation for fierce bowling attacks, and passionate fan support, the franchise has consistently delivered excitement. Yet, amid the thrills, a key question remains: who is the SRH owner? Is it a media mogul, a family-based enterprise, or a corporate giant? This article dives deep into the identity, vision, and influence of SRH’s real owners.
Origins & Entry: How Sun Group Became the SRH Owner
SRH emerged in 2013, following the termination of the Deccan Chargers. The Sun Group, a Chennai-based media and entertainment conglomerate founded by Kalanithi Maran in 1992, secured the franchise rights at ₹85 crore/year for five years. Under the umbrella of Sun TV Network, the group expanded into regional television, radio, DTH, publishing—and sports, via SRH.
So, the official SRH owner is the Sun Group, with Kalanithi Maran as its founder and key driving force.
The Power Players: Kalanithi & Kavya Maran
Kalanithi Maran – The Media Mogul with a Cricket Vision
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Born in 1965 into a politically connected family, Kalanithi built Sun TV into a regional powerhouse.
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Ranked among India’s richest, with an estimated net worth of around US$3 billion (₹23,000–30,000 crore).
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Aside from TV and radio, he acquired teams: SRH (IPL), Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20), and England’s Northern Superchargers, expanding his sports footprint.
Kavya/Kaviya Maran – The Young Co-Owner and CEO
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Daughter of Kalanithi; CEO and co-owner of SRH since 2018.
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Education: B.Com from Stella Maris College and MBA from Warwick Business School, UK.
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Her leadership, social media presence, and match involvement generated positive buzz in IPL 2024.
The Business Vision Behind the SRH Owner
Media-Driven Brand Extensions
Sun Group’s expansion into sports aligns with its ambitions beyond media: creating 360-degree fan engagement across TV, digital, radio, and live events.
Building a Competitive Franchise
SRH’s brand-building strategy includes aggressive auction participation, global coaching (Daniel Vettori), and marquee players like Pat Cummins. The approach led to its first IPL title in 2016, runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2024, and consistent playoff appearances.
Sports-Driven Media Content
Sun Group integrates SRH content—match highlights, interviews, and fan interactions—on its TV channels, online platforms, and OTT service Sun NXT.
Business Model: From Media to Matchday Revenues
Diversified Media Ecosystem
Sun Group generates revenue from channels, radio, publishing, DTH, and film production, ensuring cumulative strength for SRH’s backing.
Monetization Strategy for SRH
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Sponsorships: Jersey sponsors like FanCraze, Jio, TCL, Dream11, and BKT reinforce strong brand appeal.
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Ticketing & merchandise: High IPL attendance, team-store sales, and fan experiences at Hyderabad stadium.
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Strategic moves: Entry into SA20 and The Hundred expands the Sun Group’s cricket avenues.
Community and CSR Initiatives
Kavya Maran has led social programs via SRH, supporting causes like cancer care and disaster relief, strengthening community ties.
Marketing & Brand Positioning
Celebrity Leadership
SRH’s visibility is enhanced by Kavya Maran’s active role, often seen at matches, strategic events, and IPL auctions.
Strategic Sponsorships
Multi-national sponsors reflect SRH’s national market appeal, supported by Sun Group’s media platforms.
Fan-Centric Campaigns
“Orange Army” branding, fan rallies, and digital content bridge the gap between players and fans—thanks to Sun Group’s media reach.
Expansion Strategy: Domestic Depth & Global Reach
SA20 and The Hundred Integration
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Sunrisers Eastern Cape won back-to-back SA20 titles in 2023 & 2024.
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English franchise Northern Superchargers acquired in 2025, marking a £1,000 cr investment.
These moves reflect Sun Group’s aim to become a globally recognized cricket brand.
IPL Performance & Sustainability
Sunrisers Hyderabad plays its home matches at the 55,000-seat Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, offering full-capacity experiences. As of 2025, the team ranks sixth with 6 wins out of 14 matches.
Current Market Presence & Emotional Impact
Brand Valuation & Fan Base
In 2024, SRH was valued around US$85 million—the fastest-growing IPL team that year, with brand value rising 76%.
Competitive Legacy
One IPL title, two runner-up finishes, and seven playoff qualifications in 12 seasons have given SRH an enduring brand reputation.
Fan Engagement
Social media presence, celebrity owners, and regional pride—SRH is known for coordinated fanbases and match-day fervor.
The SRH Owner’s Strategic Influence
Professional Management
Kavya Maran’s operational leadership brings a blend of global education (MBA, UK) and strategic vision.
Media Synergy
Sun Group channels amplify SRH content and commercials—creating an integrated promotion loop and broader reach.
Sports Ecosystem Growth
Owning teams in three elite T20 leagues (IPL, SA20, The Hundred) positions Sun Group as a pan-cricket powerhouse.
Conclusion: Unmasking the “SRH Owner”
So, who is the SRH owner? The answer reveals depth:
It’s the Sun Group, a media powerhouse led by Kalanithi Maran, with his daughter Kavya Maran steering day-to-day operations as CEO and co-owner.
From the brand’s historic birth in 2013 to its IPL successes and international expansions, the SRH owner has shown a forward-thinking approach—embracing sports as a lifestyle engagement platform. Decisions like creating global franchises, implementing fan-led campaigns, and professionalizing operations have shaped SRH’s evolution from a challenger to a dependable IPL brand with growing global resonance.
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