Why do Akash and Nita Ambani sit on a boundary side sofa during IPL matches unlike other team owners who sit in the VIP boxes

Why do Akash and Nita Ambani sit on a boundary side sofa during IPL matches unlike other team owners who sit in the VIP boxes

Know if it is officially allowed for Nita and Akash Ambani to sit on a sofa during the IPL matches

The Ambani family are one of the most influential families in the IPL, find out what are the reasons behind the Ambani family members sitting on sofas near the boundary of stadiums.

Notably, fans have started questioning why the Ambanis, particularly Nita and Akash Ambani watch the match sitting on a sofa next to the boundary line in the IPL and much closer to the field than other team owners who sit in VIP stands.

Why do Akash and Nita Ambani sit on a boundary side sofa during the IPL matches unlike other team owners who sit in the VIP boxes

Fans have questioned why should they alone be allowed to sit virtually next to their players while team owners like Preity Zinta (Punjab Kings), Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Kavya Maran (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Sajjan Jindal (Delhi Capitals stakeholder) or Sanjeev Goenka (Lucknow Super Giants) are all spotted in the usual high-tier VIP stands behind glass, away from the field, like regular billionaires.

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Despite all the questions and speculations, the BCCI has never made an official statement about why they provide a special seating to the Ambanis with many also slamming Akash Ambani after he was seen asking the Mumbai Indians’ players to take a DRS from his boundary side sofa seat with owners not allowed to interfere in official play on the field during matches.

Given below are the reasons why the Ambanis get to sit on the sofas near the boundary of stadiums.

Franchise power

The Ambani family are the owners of the Mumbai Indians team through their company, Reliance Industries. Mumbai Indians are notably one of the most successful and richest teams in the history of IPL. Over the years, the sofa arrangement close to the boundary has become a part of the team’s brand, and it reflects their top status in the league.

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High-profile visibility

With the IPL being a major media event, the Ambanis causes an instant commotion on TV and social media each time the camera turns to them lounging on the sofa. As the footage goes viral online, it serves as unpaid promotions for the team. Moreover, having the Ambanis near the boundary guarantee also benefits the league as they are always in view on television.

Special arrangements from the BCCI

Notably, the BCCI does permit the owners of all IPL teams to make special seating arrangements at their home venues. The Mumbai Indians requested this sofa arrangement and they are allowed to do so unless it hinders match operations or security. As such, the team are simply sticking to the rules and other team owners are technically allowed to do it as well, but they simply do not. The Ambanis have simply chosen to do it and made it their trend.

Star power

Besides the sofas drawing attention, they also serve as a touch of luxury, just like courtside seats at NBA matches. The presence of the Ambanis adds a certain glam to the IPL, as they are one of the most influential business clans in India.

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