Reliance Industries Limited subsidiary to own franchise in ECB’s UAE T20 League

Reliance Industries Limited, through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL) is all set to secure rights to own and operate a new franchise cricket team. The Reliance industries will be operating a cricket team in the Emirates Cricket Board’s upcoming UAE T20 League.

This goes down as the first major overseas expansion of Reliance Industries’ cricket operations when it comes to the global franchise-based cricket leagues. Reliance Industries Limited is one of the eight founding members of the IPL through the Mumbai Indians. It has been one of the most successful cricket clubs both on and off the field.

Chairman of the UAE T20 League on RIL’s investment in the league

Chairman of the UAE T20 League and vice-chairman ECB Mr. Khalid Al Zarooni has thus opened up on the RIL’s investment in the UAE T20 League. He stated the plans of transforming cricket in the UAE through the UAE T20 League. He also added that they are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to a great partnership with them.

“We aim to transform cricket in the UAE through the UAE T20 League. Our wider plan includes the expansion of cricket through various development programs being conducted in UAE by the League franchisees including talent hunts, coaching, and training by some of the best in the business. We are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to having an exciting and continuing alliance,” said Mr. Zarooni.

Mrs. Nita Ambani, co-owner & architect of Mumbai Indians also opened up on the same. She thanked the fans for their support and expressed their eagerness on expanding their global fanbase. She stated that it is a great opportunity for them to further display their ports management expertise.

“With great pride and joy, we take our Mumbai Indians brand of fearless cricket to new geography. We are thankful to our fans, both in India and overseas, for supporting MI wholeheartedly. I look forward to strengthening and further expanding our global fanbase, and having a longer engagement with them through this new League.

While Mumbai Indians will continue to remain at the heart of our cricket operations, the popularity of global T20 leagues and the attractiveness of the UAE market offer a unique opportunity for us to further unlock the value of our sports management expertise. It also allows us a platform to develop young international talent and share best practices both on and off the field,” she said.