PSL side Multan Sultans joins KKR in showing interest to acquire The Hundred team: Report

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans have reportedly joined ir Indian Premier League (IPL) counterparts Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in expressing ir interest of investing in teams from Hundred. Hundred is a 100-ball tournament organised by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and it was scheduled to launch in July this year. However, ongoing coronavirus pandemic and lockdown across United Kingdom (UK) forced ECB to shift much-awaited tournament to 2021.

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PSL franchise joins IPL’s KKR for a stake in Hundred

Earlier, ECB rejected idea of private investment in Hundred. However, with ongoing coronavirus pandemic and UK lockdown situation, board is expected to suffer a major financial fallout. financial crisis is likely to make ECB change ir stance on matters of private investment in Hundred with ECB CEO Tom Harrison even saying that pandemic could well force board to look at alternative solutions.

PSL franchise Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen recently spoke to ESPN Cricinfo on development. website reported that Tareen is expressing an interest to invest in Sourn Brave franchise. He said that he is a “Hampshire boy who loves Hampshire cricket”. Tareen also said that his interest in Hampshire-based Hundred franchise opens up an opportunity for English county.

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Meanwhile, Multan Sultans finished at top of PSL 2020 points table before tournament got postponed due to pandemic.  PSL 2020 was first edition of Pakistani T20 event to be entirely held in country. Prior to 2020 season, PSL was eir co-hosted or entirely hosted by United Arab Emirates.

Two-time IPL winners KKR on Hundred

Earlier, it was also reported that KKR CEO Venky Mysore has expressed his interest in investing in one of Hundred franchises as well. According to same publication, Mysore responded to rumours by claiming that he can comment on m when KKR manment has had more fruitful discussions on same with ECB. However, unlike Multan Sultans, who are seemingly more altruistic to invest in UK, KKR see this investment primarily for building such a solid business, which sees  Knight Riders brand becoming household name in different cities y own teams in, much like y did in Trinidad with Trinbago Knight Riders and in Kolkata with Kolkata Knight Riders.

In 2015, KKR purchased Trinidad-based franchise and later renamed it into Trinbago Knight Riders, which changed fortune's franchises as y have won thrice in last 5 seasons.

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