Preity Zinta buys the Stellenbosch Monarchs team in the T20 Global League

The T20 Global League appeared to be in a fix after one of the franchise owners pulled off the league. That meant the Stellenbosch Monarchs team was without an owner and that created existential crisis. Cricket South Africa (CSA) having marketed the league with so much force was certain they’d find another buyer in a matter of time.

Their search ended sooner and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta who is also the co-owner of Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab decided to buy the team. Today, CSA confirmed that Preity is the new owner of Monarchs team and thus all the eight T20GL teams have now been sold and the tournament is ready to roll.

Lorgat is proud of the association

CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat proudly welcomed Zinta to the family and also pressed upon the fact that her interest in buying the team is a certain indication that the league has already made a name for itself.

“I am extremely proud to announce and warmly welcome Preity Zinta to South Africa and the T20 Global League family,” Lorgat was quoted as saying by Sports24. “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,” he added.

Exciting time for young talent

The actress on her part thanked Lorgat as well as the CSA for creating and initiating the tournament. In her view exciting times await young South African cricketer and that is the purpose of the league. Having owned an operated an IPL  team for over a decade Preity knows how things work in the business and her association will certainly add value to the league.

“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,” she added.

“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,” Preity further said.

This also makes her the second Bollywood star after Shah Rukh Khan to own a T20GL team and the third Indian along with GM Infra the owners of the Delhi Daredevils IPL franchise.

Faf is excited

South African captain Faf du Plessis who is a Marquee player of the Stellenbosch team was delighted as he got to know about the new owner of the team.

“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,” said Du Plessis.

Brimstone’s withdrawal

Earlier Brimstone Investment Corporation Limited, CEO, Mustaq Brey was quoted by IOL as saying: “We follow a rigorous investment process. This venture had to undergo the same process and be tested against our standard investment criteria as all other investment proposals. Our investment decisions take cognisance of the risks and benefits to all our stakeholders. We wish Cricket South Africa well with the T20 Global League and will continue to support the development of, and access to, the sport in various other ways.”