529% gain! LIC’s secret jackpot through Chennai Super Kings

When you think CSK, you think cricketing glory—5 IPL titles, 10 finals, and consistent dominance on the field. But what if we told you CSK is also scoring massive wins off the field—for none other than LIC, India’s insurance giant?

Yes, you heard that right. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) holds a 6.04% stake in Chennai Super Kings, and that investment has delivered a staggering 529% return since 2019. Let’s break down how this unexpected jackpot happened.

From Cement to Cricket

LIC originally held shares in India Cements, the company that owned CSK. When IPL rules mandated franchise independence in 2014, CSK spun off into a separate entity—and LIC’s shares in India Cements translated into a 6.04% stake in the newly formed CSK.

Back then, CSK’s unlisted shares were priced at just Rs 31 each. Fast forward to 2024, and they’re trading around Rs 195, peaking at Rs 223 in 2022. That’s a 6x return, translating to nearly Rs 1,000 crore in gains for LIC, according to Finshots.

Why The Value Skyrocketed

1. Explosive Revenue Growth: CSK’s central pool income jumped 150% year-on-year, touching Rs 479 crore in FY24.
2. Record-Breaking Profits: Profit After Tax zoomed to Rs 201 crore, up from just Rs 14 crore last year.
3. Broadcast Bonanza: The IPL’s new media rights deal—sold at 3x the previous price—supercharged CSK’s earnings.
4. The Dhoni Factor: Fan loyalty, brand equity, and iconic sponsorships (like Muthoot) made CSK a marketing powerhouse.