Sohail Khan of Bollywood fame acquires Kandy franchise in LPL

Thursday, 22 October 2020 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has caught Bollywood attention as filmmaker, producer, writer and actor Sohail Khan became the proud owner of the Kandy Tuskers franchise in the T20 League scheduled to be played from 21 November to 13 December at Pallekele and Hambantota.

The Kandy franchisee, which picked West Indies legend Chris Gayle in the Players Draft on Monday, also have local icon Kusal Perera, Sri Lankan T20 specialists Kusal Mendis and Nuwan Pradeep and England right-arm fast bowler Liam Plunkett among others. Former Sri Lankan skipper Hashan Tillakaratne is part of the Kandy coaching staff.

Sohail Khan said: “There is lot of potential in the Lanka Premier League and we are really very happy to be part of this exciting initiative. Sri Lankan fans are very passionate about the game and I am sure they will come out in large numbers to support the team. Chris Gayle is obviously the Universe Boss, but he is not alone, we have a very good team, a good balance of youth and experience, and I am backing my team to play the final.”

IPG CEO Anil Mohan said: “We are committed to create a world class league with LPL and what better way than to spread the message through Bollywood and Sohail Khan. Sohail’s love for cricket is well documented, he will not only add glamour to the whole event but he is also passionate about the sport. We couldn't have asked for a better partner than him.”

SLC VP and LPL Tournament Director Ravin Wickramaratne said: “We are extremely glad that Sohail Khan International LLP is part the Kandy Tuskers consortium. Cricket and celluloid have been interconnected for long and presence of movie stars bring an element of fun, entertainment and glamour to the whole proceedings. I am sure Lankan fans will enjoy the superstar’s presence in the league.”