The IPL is on course to defining what the CPL is. After being bought by an IPL franchise, the Caribbean Premier League squad earlier known as Barbados Tridents will henceforth be called Barbados Royals. The Indian Premier League continues to strengthen its footprint on the global cricketing landscape after a majority stake in the Barbados Tridents was bought by the owners of the IPL franchise of Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have followed in the footsteps of two previous IPL franchises who bought teams in the CPL.
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KKR and Punjab Kings, Other IPL Franchises that Own CPL Teams
In 2015, Red Chillies Entertainment, owners of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, became sole owners of the CPL franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. In 2020, KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the owners of the IPL franchise Punjab Kings, followed suit and took possession of the CPL franchise St Lucia Zouks.
EM Sporting Holdings Ltd, a majority shareholder of the Royals franchise, recently increased their stake-holding to 65%. Manoj Badale, who owns EM Sporting Holdings Ltd, has weighed in on the matter. According to Manoj, Royals welcomed the opportunity to provide their fans the joy of following their favourite teams around the globe.
Manoj Badale Weighs in
In a statement to a media outlet, he asserted,
“The idea of creating a global network behind the Royals brand is something that we are keen to do for many years, it was the opportunity too good to miss. The IPL is only on our screen for a short period of the annual calendar. Secondly, it gives our fans an opportunity to follow Royals teams across the world and in different locations. Thirdly, from a cricketing perspective to trial new things.”