Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna to co-own Sachin Tendulkar’s Kerala Blasters

Arun S Kaimal

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

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ISL side Kerala Blasters, which is co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar, have added more star power to their ranks with Telugu superstars Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, producer Allu Aravind, and industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad becoming co-owners of the franchise. The new owners were unveiled on Wednesday.

Talking about the new development, Sachin Tendulkar welcomed the new co-owners to the franchise.

“We are beginning our third season in right earnest and have some of the biggest names coming on board as investors in Kerala Blasters. I welcome Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Allu Arvind and Prasad to this exciting experience which is made more special with the faith and unique place that Kerala Blasters holds in the hearts of millions of its followers,” said a media release, reported News 18.

Prakash Potluri’s PVP Ventures had acquired the franchise along with Sachin Tendulkar at the start of the ISL back in 2014, before exiting the franchise last year due to entanglement in legal proceedings.

The new owners of the club met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to set up a residential football academy in the state to nurture young talents.

“The reason for us to visit the CM today was to make him meet the co-owners and discuss a way forward where the youngsters of the state can benefit. We have been doing this for a couple of yours at the grass root level, where we are working with 40 schools. But, we understand that the interest levels are really high. The Government has agreed to back us and support us in our initiatives for the betterment of young budding sports stars from Kerala. The vision is to have a residential football academy where youngsters can shape their dreams,” said Tendulkar in a press conference at Thiruvananthapuram, reported the Hindu.

“We want to take it to the next level and that can only happen with better infrastructure and planning. For us, the journey has begun right from when we started the discussions. But, to be able to maintain this interest level and generate 100 top class footballers in the next five years is our aim,” he said. The Master Blaster also agreed to become the face of Kerala government’s anti-liquor and drugs campaign at the request of the Chief Minister. “Tendulkar has given consent to use his name to strengthen the campaign against liquor and drug abuse in the state. He has agreed to cooperate in the campaign,” Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, reported PTI.

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