MUMBAI: The Shah Rukh Khan-owned Knight Riders Group has bought another T20 team, this time the Abu Dhabi franchise, in UAE's new T20 League.
The Knight Riders already own the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL (from 2008), and the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (from 2015).
"Recently, the Knight Riders Group made a significant investment in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and intends to set up a franchise and build a world-class cricket stadium, in the greater Los Angeles area. This investment by the Knight Riders Group, which is led by Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, along with Juhi Chawla & her husband Jay Mehta, will establish their 4th T20 franchise around the world in IPL, CPL, MLC and now in UAE's T20 league," a release from the Knight Riders on Thursday said.
"For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the UAE. We are excited about becoming part of UAE's T20 League, which no doubt will become hugely successful," the release quoted Shah Rukh Khan as saying.
Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR and Red Chillies Entertainment said, "We feel fortunate to have been consistently recognized as a global brand in T20 cricket. As T20 cricket expands around the world, we are flattered by the regular invitations to play a major role in growing the sport across the world. We have had a keen interest in the developments in the UAE and our expansion is consistent with our long-term strategy".
Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE's T20 League Chairman said; "The commitment to grow the T20 format and the expertise gathered by the Knight Riders Group, through their involvement in franchise cricket across the world, is undisputed. We are exceptionally pleased with their foresight to join forces with the UAE's T20 League and firmly believe it will elevate the reputation, and professionalism of the League throughout the cricket community."
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; "We are pleased with the association of the Knight Riders Group with the League as a franchise team owner, we are very confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both the Knight Riders brand 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".
