Indian giant Reliance Industries Limited, through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL), is to acquire the rights to own and operate a new franchise cricket team in the Emirates Cricket Board’s upcoming UAE T20 League.
The move is first major overseas expansion of Reliance Industries’ cricket operations in the global franchise-based cricket leagues, a statement said.
Its cricket business will now include two clubs in addition to their other cricket-related initiatives including sponsorship, consultancy, broadcast, and talent management, the company added.
RIL through Mumbai Indians is among the eight founding members of the IPL and over the years has evolved as the most successful cricket club both on-and-off the field.
The new deal will see UAE’s T20 League benefit from the company’s commercial and cricket know-how, RIL added.
UAE T20 League will be held annually. For the initial few years, the league will feature six franchise teams competing in a 34-match event involving some of the biggest names in world cricket.
Khalid Al Zarooni, chairman of the UAE T20 League and vice chairman ECB, said that RIL’s investment demonstrates the confidence of the corporate industry in the UAE’s vision and ability to deliver a world class cricketing event.
“We aim to transform cricket in UAE through UAE T20 League. Our wider plan includes expansion of cricket through various development programs being conducted in UAE by the League franchisees including talent hunts, coaching, and training by some of the best in the business,” said Zarooni.
“RIL has the legacy with proven track record in establishing the most successful team in franchise cricket. Association of vanguard like RIL with the League demonstrates the confidence in our system and the strength of our infrastructure to deliver world class events. We are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to having an exciting and continuing alliance,” he added.
Nita Ambani, co-owner and architect of Mumbai Indians said: “With great pride and joy, we take our Mumbai Indians brand of fearless cricket to a new geography… While Mumbai Indians will continue to remain at the heart of our cricket operations, the popularity of global T20 leagues and attractiveness of the UAE market offer a unique opportunity for us to further unlock the value of our sports management expertise.”
Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, said he believes that the UAE T20 League presents a unique opportunity to build on existing global partnerships and benefit the growth of cricket in UAE.
“We are extremely proud to have created a global franchise in Mumbai Indians, integrated with high values and ethos and our contribution to the Indian cricket ecosystem. We are equally confident of shaping another successful brand in UAE and bring in our experiences to benefits the growth of cricket in UAE,” he said.
Mubashshir Usmani, general secretary, ECB, said: “The trust being shown by prominent business houses in the UAE T20 League is extremely encouraging. We are pleased with RIL’s association with the league as a franchise team owner.”
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