KKR's owners open to invest in The Hundred: Report
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could invest in England's new flagship tournament The Hundred. According to a report in The Telegraph, the owners of Kolkata-based franchise are keen on investing in the inaugural edition if England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) allow private investment. The newly introduced 100-ball tournament was postponed by a year in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.
We have always looked to invest in cricket: Venky Mysore
"We are perhaps the only genuine global brand in cricket and our strategy has always been to look at opportunities to invest in cricket globally," KKR's chief executive Venky Mysore said.
Mysore showed interest towards The Hundred
As per a report in Telegraph Sport, Mysore has shown interest towards the tournament. "All leagues around the world understand the value KKR bring to any league and we will surely be keen to explore investment opportunities," said Mysore. He added, "I think leagues are realising the value of having investors such as us who bring our professional management, marketing ideas and fan base."
The inaugural tournament has been postponed until 2021
ECB has postponed The Hundred until 2021, owing to coronavirus outbreak. The tournament, which involved eight teams (men's and women's in separate tournaments), was scheduled to commence on July 17. The cricket board has also terminated contracts of players who were set to participate in the tournament. Earlier, ECB called-off the entire cricket season in UK till at least July.
ECB may allow private investment in The Hundred
As per reports, the ECB may lose over £380 million if the entire cricket season gets wiped out due to ongoing crisis. Reportedly, the cricket board is considering to allow private investment for the 100-ball tournament, which may attract Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, the KKR owners already own a franchise named Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.
