Sunil Gavaskar and superstar Nagarjuna buy Mumbai's IBL franchise

Sunil Gavaskar will also be the brand ambassador of the franchise

Badminton is also stepping up to the trend set by the IPL with legends and stars joining into the frenzy.

Former cricketing maestro Sunil Gavaskar and Tollywood superstar Nagarjuna along with former manager of the Indian cricket team, Vankina Chamundeswaranath (a.k.a Chamundi) have bought Mumbai Masters, the last of the six teams up for grabs which will be competing in the star-studded IBL.

The deal was struck on Wednesday and Gavaskar will also be the face of the franchise.

Chamundi confirmed both Gavaskar and the Telugu actor are thrilled to have gained possession of the IBL team, “We have been planning this for a while. We are excited to be finally part of this league. Gavaskar and Nagarjuna are big fans of badminton and Sunny loves to play the game. We are all looking forward to have a fantastic tournament next month.”

Chamundi, who also happens to be the first sponsor of India’s Badminton sensation Saina Nehwal, claimed that the franchise is determined to bag India’s top Badminton players. “The auction is just a couple of days away, and we would like to have our best player in the team. With not much of cricket action next month I am confident Gavaskar would take keen interest in the tournament. Moreover, the presence of Nagarjuna will make our team popular even in South India,” Chamundi was quoted as saying.

Nagarjuna, who takes keen interest in sports, also owns the Mahi Racing team in a joint venture with Indian Cricket Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Speaking on the association, celebrated actor Nagarjuna said, “Badminton as a sport has rendered our country immense global presence and limelight for which we all are proud of. We saw huge potential in the Indian Badminton League in terms of not only boosting the game in the country but also working with talented youngsters at grass root level by giving them a platform to prove themselves through Shuttle Express. We look forward to a strong and successful association with both BAI and Sporty Solutionz for all the editions of IBL.”

Speaking on the occasion, the iconic Sunil Gavaskar said, “I am proud to be associated with badminton which I’ve always admired and passionately followed and played a bit as a fan. The sport has produced legends and recorded many milestones for India and I hope my association with the Indian Badminton League proves to be a worthy contribution to the great sport of badminton.”

Speaking on the association, V Chamundeshwarnath said, “The decision to enter the sports business through IBL was because we envisioned a great future for the league in the entertainment portfolio. We realise that people these days are looking for newer ways of entertainment and this League will come as a refreshing change for every sport lover.”

Speaking on the development, Mr Ashish Chadha, CEO, Sporty Solutionz, the ‘Commercial Partner’ for IBL, said, “We welcome the consortium comprising of the trio of Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and V Chamundeshwarnath as owners of Mumbai Masters in the IBL. With a legendary sportsman like Sunil Gavaskar as the co-owner of the team, there is no doubt that Mumbai Masters will stand out as a star squad.”

Speaking on this occasion, Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, Badminton Association of India President & MP said, “Mumbai will be a perfect catalyst for nurturing badminton and the IBL. We appreciate Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and Chamundeshwarnath for their zest to take on this endeavor with us and welcome them to the IBL family.”

The IBL, which will be played over a span of two weeks, from 14th to 31st August, will see 6 teams from Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, comprising of the finest players from across the globe, compete fiercely for the coveted title.

The tournament is reportedly going to be conducted in the Sudirman Cup format.

Source: Time of India