Former Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan to invest in beverages unit in Karnataka

Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan is stepping into a new territory by investing in India's food and beverage industry. The world record holder for most wickets in Test and ODI cricket is set to establish a major beverages and confectionery manufacturing unit in Badanakuppe, Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka.

Muralitharan's new business venture, "Muttiah Beverages and Confectioneries" was announced recently following a meeting with Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister, MB Patil. The project is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development.

What was initially planned as an investment of INR 230 crore has now increased to an ambitious INR 1,400 crore multi-phase project due to its increased scope and scale. The first phase alone will see an investment of INR 1,000 crore poured into setting up the manufacturing facility on 46 acres of designated land.

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Muralitharan currently serves as SRH bowling coach in IPL

Minister Patil stated that the government has already addressed minor land issues and is committed to facilitating a smooth launch of operations by January 2025. He highlighted the former cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan's long-term vision and revealed plans to establish another unit in the Dharwad district soon.

For Muralitharan, this foray into the beverages and confectionery sectors marks a diversification of his business interests beyond the sport. The legendary spinner has chosen Karnataka to kick-start his Indian ventures, no doubt attracted by the state's industry-friendly policies and rich natural resources suited for food processing industries.

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Notably, the 52-year-old legend is still active in the sport, as he is currently the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL), and under his guidance the franchise managed to reach the finals of the cash-rich league.