Rajasthan Royals Become 3rd IPL Franchise After Punjab Kings To Own Caribbean Premier League Side
The 2021 edition of the Carribean Premier League (CPL) is all geared up to commence from August 26 to September 15.
Two-time Caribbean Premier League champions, the Barbados Tridents will now be known as ‘Barbados Royals’ following a deal that sees the owners of the Rajasthan Royals franchise, EM Sporting Holding Ltd, buying a major stake in the franchise.
The Royals, after a deal become the third franchise of the IPL to own a team in the CPL. Previously in the year 2015, the Kolkata Knight Riders owners, Red Chillies Entertainment, bought the Trinbago Knight Riders and last year KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the association that owns Punjab Kings had bought the St Lucia Zouks.
“We are extremely excited about the partnership with Manoj and the Rajasthan Royals family, which will further advance cricket in Barbados and the region.” Manish Patel, principal of the Barbados franchise said.
Meanwhile, Manoj Badale, the Royals Sports Group Chairperson and the lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, has also commented on the development.
“We are delighted to have signed this deal with Manish Patel, to acquire a majority stake in the Barbados CPL franchise. We are extremely grateful to the Barbados government for their continued support, and we look forward to making a positive impact on both cricket and tourism for the country. We have ambitious plans for the Royals brand globally, and this is an important strategic step.”said Badale.
The 2021 edition of the CPL is all set to get underway from August 26 while its final will be played on September 15. The season will be played at St Kitts & Nevis. Holder will continue to take the mantle of being the captain of Barbados.
Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals, will now have his role extended to Barbados Royals.
“Barbados Royals will be an important part of the Royals’ cricket ecosystem. With a fantastic talent pool of local players, we have the opportunity to innovate and develop strategies that will benefit the Royals Group. We are also excited at the prospect of how we can promote growth in the game of cricket,” he said.
