Sanjay Dutt picks up Masters Champions League franchise

Sanjay Dutt picks up Masters Champions League franchise

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Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has bought a franchise in the UAE-based Masters Champions League (MCL). Dutt’s wife, Maanyata, had worked on the deal with the MCL, a league for retired international cricketers, which was launched in Dubai last week, the Times of India reported on Saturday.

Dutt, who will be serving jail time until next year for his alleged role in the 1993 Bombay blasts, was previously involved in the Super Fight League that was formed in 2012, along with actor Shilpa Shetty's husband and former Rajasthan Royals co-owner, Raj Kundra.

“As a family, we have always been passionate about sport. Sanjay, in particular, has been an avid sports enthusiast since childhood,” Maanyata, who's been looking after her hustand’s business interests in his absence, told the newspaper.

“Like most Indians, we are extremely passionate about cricket and just the thought of owning a team with legends like (Virender) Sehwag, (Brian) Lara, (Jacques) Kallis being part of it is tremendously exciting. We are sure MCL is a unique concept and will prove to be a valuable investment," Maanyata added.

According to the newspaper, talent management company CAA KWAN will run the team until Dutt’s return.

Last week, Sehwag was in Dubai, alongside Brian Lara, Graeme Smith and others, at the unveiling of the league, which led to the confusion around his retirement plans ultimately leading to his formal announcement.

The newspaper also said that India captain MS Dhoni’s friend and manager, Arun Pandey, who runs Rhiti Sports, has also invested in an MCL franchise. Digital agency Everymedia is also buying an MCL franchise.

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