Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners are tactically growing their footprint in the cricket world by buying interests in clubs from other international T20 leagues. These include some of the high-profile leagues such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), South Africa's SA20, the UAE-based International League T20 (ILT20), and the USA-based Major League Cricket (MLC).
KKR: Leading the Trend
In 2015, Shahrukh Khan-co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) led the way by purchasing the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, the first IPL team to go for overseas franchise purchase.
Other IPL Teams Following Suit
Following the footsteps of KKR, owners of other IPL teams such as Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings have also made investments in franchises of other leagues, further establishing the global footprint of the IPL brand.
IPL Franchise Teams in Other Cricket Leagues
IPL franchise owners have expanded their reach by investing in teams across various international T20 leagues. Here’s a look at their global presence.
| Franchise | Team | Tournament | Year |
| CSK Franchise Teams | Joburg Super Kings | SA20 | 2022 |
| Texas Super Kings | MLC – USA | 2023 | |
| MI Franchise Teams | MI NewYork | MLC | 2023 |
| MI Cape Town | SA20 | 2022 | |
| MI Emirates | ILT20 | 2023 | |
| DC Franchise Teams | Dubai Capitals | ILT20 | 2023 |
| Pretoria Capitals | SA20 | 2022 | |
| Seattle Orcas | MLC | 2023 | |
| RR Franchise Teams | Paarl Royals | SA20 | 2022 |
| Barbados Royals (Renamed) | CPL | 2021 | |
| KKR Franchise Teams | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | ILTT20 | 2023 |
| Trinbago Knight Rider (Renamed) | CPL | 2015 | |
| LA Knight Rider | MLC | 2020 | |
| SRH Franchise Teams | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | SA20 | 2022 |
| LSG Franchise Teams | Durban’s Super Giants | SA20 | 2022 |
| PBKs Franchise Teams | ST Lucia Kings (Renamed) | CPL | 2017 |
IPL Team Owners and their Business Backgrounds
The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn't just about cricket; it's a fusion of sports and business, where team owners play a pivotal role. These owners hail from diverse business backgrounds, leveraging their expertise to manage and grow their respective franchises. From established conglomerates to Bollywood superstars, the ownership landscape reflects the league's widespread appeal.
| IPL Team | Owner(s) | Business Background |
| India Cements (N. Srinivasan) | Cement Manufacturing | |
| Reliance Industries (Mukesh & Nita Ambani) | Conglomerate (Petrochemicals, Telecommunications, Retail) | |
| United Spirits Limited (Diageo) | Alcoholic Beverage Company | |
| JSW Group & GMR Group | JSW: Steel, Energy, Infrastructure; GMR: Infrastructure (Airports, Energy, Transportation) | |
| Torrent Group (67%) CVC Capital Partners (33%) | Private Equity and Investment Advisory | |
| Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta | Entertainment (Bollywood), Business | |
| RPSG Group (Sanjiv Goenka) | Diversified Conglomerate (Power, Retail, Entertainment) | |
| Preity Zinta and Others | Entertainment, Various Businesses | |
| Manoj Badale (Emerging Media IPL Ltd.) & RedBird Capital Partners | Investment and Media | |
| Sun TV Network (Kalanithi Maran) | Media (Television Broadcasting) |
IPL team owners significantly influence team strategy, player acquisitions, and overall management. Their business acumen helps to elevate the franchises into valuable sporting assets and successful brands. While success on the field is paramount, the financial stability and business strategies of the owners also play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability and success of the IPL teams. This blend of cricket and business makes the IPL a unique and dynamic league on the global stage.
The IPL’s expansion into global T20 leagues highlights its growing dominance beyond India. With strategic investments and strong business acumen, team owners are transforming franchises into international brands. This fusion of sports and business ensures the IPL remains a financial powerhouse, shaping the future of cricket on a global scale.
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