News Americas, DELHI, India, Thurs. June 11, 2015: A Bollywood star has now turned his eyes on investing in the Caribbean with the purchase of a cricket franchise.
Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, an Indian film actor, producer and television personality, has purchased the Trinidad & Tobago franchise in the Caribbean Premier League, the Times of India reported. The CPL was launched in 2013 with six franchises.
Referred to in the media as “Baadshah of Bollywood”, “King of Bollywood” or “King Khan,” SRK is already the co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
He joins Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler in the CPL owners’ club. It is the first instance of an IPL franchise investing in an overseas Twenty20 league.
“The passion for franchise cricket in the Caribbean is evident with the success of CPL and we hope to bring all the best practices of KKR to the T&T franchise,” he was quoted as saying in the Times. “This is in line with our vision to expand globally. We are thrilled to become part of the cricketing tradition of Trinidad & Tobago.”
The Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel boasts a galaxy of top West Indian cricketers including Dwayne Bravo and Darren Bravo. Another major name joining the T&T this year is former South Africa and KKR all-rounder Jacques Kallis. After announcing his retirement, Kallis is now the mentor of the Shah Rukh’s IPL franchise.
Caribbean cricketers have emerged as the most sought-after overseas lot in the IPL. Offspinner Sunil Narine and allrounder Andre Russell are key players for Knight Riders.
