Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner – Kavya Maran, Net Worth
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are the “Orange Army” of the IPL. Known for their tactical brilliance and aggressive cricket, they have carved a unique identity in the league. The Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner is the media conglomerate Sun TV Network, led by the billionaire Kalanithi Maran.
In late 2025, the franchise made headlines by retaining their fiery captain Pat Cummins and the explosive batting core that redefined T20 cricket in the previous seasons. While Kavya Maran is the face we see cheering in the stands, the financial muscle comes from her father, Kalanithi Maran, the “Media Baron of South India.”
This blog covers everything you need to know about the Maran family, their multi billion dollar business empire, and their vision for the Sunrisers franchise in 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Ownership:
| Feature | Details |
| Legal Owner | Sun TV Network Limited |
| Key Owner | Kalanithi Maran |
| CEO & Face of Team | Kavya Maran |
| Home Ground | Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad |
| IPL Titles | 1 (2016) |
| Captain (2026) | Pat Cummins |
| Brand Value (2025) | $56 Million |
Who Is The Owner Of Sunrisers Hyderabad?
The franchise is owned by Sun TV Network Limited, one of the largest media companies in Asia.
The team was founded in 2013. This happened after the previous Hyderabad based franchise, Deccan Chargers, was terminated by the BCCI due to financial instability. Sun TV Network stepped in with a bid of ₹85.05 Crores per year to win the rights.
Since then, the ownership has been stable. Unlike other teams with multiple stakeholders or celebrity partners, SRH is a corporate owned team. The ultimate control rests with Kalanithi Maran, the Chairman of the Sun Group.
What Is The Media Background Of Kalanithi Maran?
Kalanithi Maran is a self made tycoon who revolutionised television in South India.
He started his journey in 1990 with a monthly video magazine called Poomaalai. He recognised the potential of satellite television early and launched Sun TV in 1993. It was the first private Tamil channel in India.
His background is deeply rooted in politics and media. He is the son of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran and the grand nephew of M. Karunanidhi, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. However, Kalanithi Maran chose business over politics, building an empire that dominates the South Indian drawing room.
How Big Is The Sun TV Network Business Empire?
The business empire of the Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner is vast. It touches the lives of millions of people daily through news, entertainment, and movies.
Sun Group Verticals:
| Sector | Key Brands / Assets |
| Television | 35+ Channels (Sun TV, Gemini TV, Surya TV, Udaya TV) |
| Radio | Red FM, Suryan FM (69+ Stations) |
| Movies | Sun Pictures (Produced blockbusters like Jailer and Raayan) |
| Streaming | Sun NXT (OTT Platform) |
| Sports | Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL), Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20) |
This massive network provides the financial stability that allows SRH to spend big at auctions without hesitation.
Where Does The Sunrisers Owner Live?
Kalanithi Maran lives in the most exclusive neighbourhood in Chennai: Boat Club Road.
His residence is a palatial bungalow located in R.A. Puram. This area is home to the ultra wealthy, including N Srinivasan (India Cements) and the TVS family. The property is known for its high white walls and tight security.
It is estimated that land prices in this area exceed ₹20,000 per square foot. The house reflects his status as one of the highest paid business executives in India.
What Is The Net Worth Of Kalanithi Maran?
Kalanithi Maran is consistently ranked among the richest Indians.
Financial Overview (Late 2025 Estimates):
| Metric | Value |
| Net Worth | ~$3 Billion (Approx. ₹25,000 Crores) |
| Source of Wealth | Media, Broadcasting, Aviation (Ex SpiceJet owner) |
| IPL Franchise Value | ~$56 Million (Brand Value) |
| Company Market Cap | Sun TV Network is a listed giant on BSE/NSE |
His wealth is not just on paper. For nearly a decade, he and his wife, Kavery Maran, were the highest paid corporate executives in India, drawing salary packages that exceeded those of Mukesh Ambani and other industrial giants.
What Is The Role Of Kavya Maran In Team Management?
Kavya Maran is the daughter of Kalanithi Maran and the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
She is the operational head of the franchise. While her father handles the corporate empire, Kavya runs the cricket side. She is famous for her animated expressions during matches jumping with joy when a wicket falls and looking devastated when the team loses.
Her role goes beyond just attending matches. She is deeply involved in:
- Auction Strategy: She sits at the table and makes the final bids.
- Player Retention: She played a key role in backing Pat Cummins as captain for the 2026 cycle.
- Global Expansion: She oversees the Sunrisers Eastern Cape team in South Africa.
How Has Sun Group Contributed To Cricket And Media?
The Sun Group brought stability to Hyderabad cricket. After the chaos of the Deccan Chargers era, the Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner ensured that the city had a stable team.
They also own Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 league in South Africa. This team has been a massive success, winning back to back titles in the first two seasons. This proves that their management model works across different continents.
In the media, they own the broadcast rights for several movies and have produced some of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history through Sun Pictures.
What Is The Strategic Vision Of SRH Management?
The management strategy shifted drastically in 2024.
Previously, SRH was a “bowling first” team that defended low totals. Under the leadership of Kavya Maran and Head Coach Daniel Vettori, they pivoted to “All Out Attack.”
The vision now is to break batting records. They built a squad that scored 277 and 287 in the 2024 season, shattering IPL records. The strategy is simple: Buy aggressive openers and give them the license to hit from ball one. This aggressive brand of cricket has brought fans back to the stadium.
Who Is The Current Captain And Key Player Of SRH?
For the IPL 2026 season, the leadership remains with the World Cup winner.
Pat Cummins is the captain. The franchise paid ₹20.50 Crores for him in 2024, and he delivered by taking them to the final. His calm leadership is the perfect balance to the team’s aggressive batting.
SRH Squad Core (IPL 2026):
| Role | Player Name | Status |
| Captain | Pat Cummins | Retained |
| Explosive Opener | Travis Head | Retained |
| Indian Star | Abhishek Sharma | Retained |
| Wicketkeeper | Heinrich Klaasen | Retained |
| All Rounder | Nitish Kumar Reddy | Retained |
Is The Brand Value Of Sunrisers Hyderabad Stable?
According to Brand Finance (December 2025), the brand value of SRH stands at approximately $56 million.
While there was a dip in the overall IPL ecosystem value in 2025 due to market corrections, SRH remains a strong brand. Their “Orange Army” fan base is loyal. The team’s shift to an exciting, high scoring style of play has increased their TV viewership numbers, which is a positive sign for future brand growth.
Why Is SRH Known For Aggressive Batting?
The identity of the team changed because of the owners’ willingness to take risks.
They released safe players like Kane Williamson and bought risk takers like Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. The Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner empowered the coaching staff to play a fearless brand of cricket.
In 2024 and 2025, SRH became the most entertaining team to watch. Their opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma became a nightmare for bowlers, consistently scoring 80+ runs in the powerplay.
What Are The Future Prospects Under Kavya Maran?
The future looks bright and global.
- Their South African team is already a dynasty.
- By investing in youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma, they have secured the team’s future for the next 5 7 years.
- The goal is to make “Sunrisers” a global cricketing brand, similar to the Knight Riders. Rumours suggest they are looking at investing in the English cricket market (The Hundred) as well.
The Sunrisers Global Family:
The Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner has aggressively expanded their footprint beyond India. By late 2025, the Sun Group became one of the few Indian entities to own cricket teams in three major cricketing nations: India, South Africa, and England.
Sun Group Cricket Franchise Portfolio:
| Team Name | League | Location | Key Details |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL (Indian Premier League) | India | Champions (2016), Runners up (2018, 2024). |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | SA20 (South Africa T20) | South Africa | Most Successful Team. Won back to back titles in 2023 & 2024. |
| Sunrisers Leeds | The Hundred | UK (England) | Formerly Northern Superchargers. Acquired by Sun TV for ~£100M in July 2025. |
Conclusion:
The Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner, Sun TV Network, has proven to be one of the most professional owners in the IPL. Kalanithi Maran provides the financial rock, while Kavya Maran provides the passion and modern vision. From being a conservative team to becoming the most dangerous batting side in the world, SRH has evolved beautifully. With Pat Cummins at the helm and a stable ownership group, the Orange Army is ready to conquer the 2026 season.
FAQs:
The team is owned by Sun TV Network Limited. The key individual behind the ownership is Kalanithi Maran, the Chairman of the Sun Group. His daughter, Kavya Maran, serves as the CEO.
Kavya Maran’s personal net worth is estimated to be around ₹409 Crores ($50 Million). However, her family’s combined net worth (led by her father) is estimated at over $3 billion.
Yes, Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Pat Cummins as their captain for the IPL 2026 season. He was the first name on the retention list alongside Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
Apart from Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, the Sun Group owns Sunrisers Eastern Cape. This team plays in the SA20 league in South Africa and won the title in the first two seasons.
Kavya Maran is famous for her passionate involvement during matches. She is often called the “National Crush of IPL” by fans due to her viral reactions in the stands and her active presence at the auction table.
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