Indian tycoon acquires Abu Dhabi T10 League cricket team

Indian tycoon Gaurav Grover has acquired the newest team of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, The Deccan Gladiators.

The Deccan Gladiators, led by Australian Shane Watson, will compete in the third season of the tournament which is due to be held in the UAE capital later this year.

“Being a cricket fanatic myself, I always wanted to have my own dream cricket team. It is my passion for the game and investment strategy that has resulted in fulfilling my dream in the form of Deccan Gladiators,” said Grover.

A new entrant in the cricket business, Grover said he wants to establish himself and his team as a "winning contender".

Grover said he has garnered vast experience across diverse technical areas like IT services and software development and has also made several investments in the hospitality and entertainment sectors in the US and the UAE.

After buying the franchise, Grover has revamped his team after playing the first two seasons of the league as the Sindhis.

Earlier this year, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, was revealed as the new home of T10 cricket for the next five years, starting this October.

Abu Dhabi Cricket, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), signed a five-year agreement with the organisers of the T10 Cricket League.

T10, in which only 120 balls are played in a fast-paced 90-minute game, was first introduced to the UAE in 2017.

The third season of T10 cricket is expected to attract over 100,000 fans.