Kings XI owner takes over Stellenbosch franchise in T20 GL
From Punjab to Paarl – Bollywood actress and IPL Kings XI Punjab team co-owner, Preity Zinta, has been confirmed as the owner of the Stellenbosch franchise team in the T20 Global League.
Zinta’s acquisition means that all eight teams in the T20GL are now sold.
“I am extremely proud to announce and warmly welcome Preity Zinta to South Africa and the T20 Global League family,” said Cricket SA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.
“The introduction of a Bollywood star like Preity Zinta speaks volumes for the T20 Global League and finalizes an eminent and enviable group of owners.
“Her experience and stardom will add value to the T20GL. It pays to work diligently and to be patient when setting up a League of the magnitude we envisage,” concluded Lorgat.
Zinta became the owner of the Kings Punjab XI in 2008 and at that stage was the only woman owner of an IPL team.
In the T20 Global League, it’s a similar situation as she looks to turn the Paarl-based franchise into a winner.
“I would like to compliment and thank Haroon Lorgat from Cricket South Africa for his unrelenting persistence, passion & belief in the T20 Global league which inspired me to come on board,” said Zinta.
“I firmly believe that this is the most exciting time for young South African cricketing talent. This league will give them an opportunity to take the leap from becoming the best in the country to becoming the best in the world.
“I hope the people of the winelands area of South Africa have an unrivalled fan experience during this tournament and believe together we will make our team and stadium something very special,” explained Zinta.
Protea Marquee player for the Stellenbosch franchise, Faf du Plessis, expressed delight at learning about Zinta being his new team owner.
“I’m very excited to see that Preity Zinta has come on board. I have heard from my team mates that she is very good to work with, so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing how she impacts our team space.
“She is also very passionate about the sport and I am sure local fans will have an awesome time at Boland Park,” commented Du Plessis.
Ms Zinta is expected to visit South Africa during next week.
The Stellenbosch team play their first home game on Saturday, 4 November at Boland Park, Paarl against the Jo’burg Giants.
Latest
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.
-
England
Andrew Flintoff would be excellent England coach – Rob Key
The former national team captain will lead Northern Superchargers in The Hundred this summer.
-
County Cricket
We’re going to show you – Graham Onions feels Durham are back where they belong
The former England paceman is back as his home county as lead bowling coach as they return to Division One.