India’s Adani Group acquires franchise in UAE T20 League
Adani Sportsline, a part of the diversified Adani Group, has made a landmark foray into franchise cricket by acquiring the rights to own and operate a franchise in UAE’S T20 league.
Licensed by Emirates Cricket Board, the UAE T20 League is an annual event that will feature six franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. Earlier this year,
India-based infrastructure powerhouse, GMR Group, the owners of Delhi Capitals, the Indian Premier League franchise, acquired the rights to own and operate the Dubai franchise in the UAE T20 League.
Last year, the Reliance Industries Limited, through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL), and Manchester United Football Club’s American owner, Lancer Capital, also announced their acquisitions of new franchises in the UAE T20 League.
Top players from all the cricket playing countries are expected to be in the line-up of different teams. The league will be providing a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. This will be the first major move overseas by the Adani Sportsline that will connect and engage with global fans from across the cricketing nations.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of the UAE T20 League, is delighted with Adani Group’s association with the ambitious event.
“It is a proud moment for us to announce the Adani Group’s association with the UAE’S T20 League as a franchise team owner,” Al Zarooni said.
“This acquisition fits perfectly in the group of corporates who have already acquired franchise team rights in the league. The trust shown by the Adani Group augurs well for the league and we look forward to benefitting from their business acumen and working together to make our League successful.”
Pranav Adani, Managing Director (Agro, Oil & Gas) and Director of Adani Enterprises, the in-house incubator of the Adani Group, said it was a wonderful opportunity for the group to be part of this cricket event.
“We are excited to be part of the UAE T20 league,” said Adani. “The UAE is an amazing amalgamation of several cricket-loving nations. It provides an excellent platform for enhancing the visibility of cricket as the sport goes increasingly global.”
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board, said; “We are extremely pleased to have one of Asia’s leading corporates as our franchise team owner. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established business owners.
“We are confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both the Adani Group and the League. UAE’S T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players.”