Cricket Popularity in Bollywood: Actors Turned Team Owners

Published on: Dec 21, 2023

Unroll the velvet carpet and polish those cricket bats! We're embarking on an exhilarating journey into a world where the dazzling glamour of Bollywood meets the thrilling action of the cricket pitch

It's a realm you're as familiar with as placing a savvy bet on RajBet for your top cricket team. But have you ever pondered the intriguing connection between these two worlds?

Our beloved Bollywood icons aren't just masters of cinema; they're also making a grand slam as cricket team owners. Brace yourselves, everyone – we're in for an epic adventure that promises all the drama and excitement of a blockbuster hit!

Shah Rukh Khan: The King of Bollywood & Cricket

The legendary Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan rules not only in the film industry but also in the world of cricket, where he is the astonishing owner of four different cricket teams. With his undeniable charm and savvy commercial sense, SRK has had an impact on cricket far beyond India's boundaries.

  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The team that has become a household name in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is synonymous with success and glamour.
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Competing in the International League T20 (ILT20), they represent SRK's vision on a global stage.
  • Los Angeles Knight Riders: SRK's entry into the American cricket arena begins with this MLC squad.
  • Trinbago Knight Riders: A pioneering all women’s cricket team in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, showcasing SRK's commitment to promoting women in sports.

His leadership and foresight are on display in his full ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders, which he shares alongside Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta.

Shah Rukh Khan, a towering figure in the film industry and the cricket world, similar to how RajBet stands in the betting platform arena, has seen his wealth soar with the recent appraisal of the KKR franchise at over $1.1 billion.

This valuation has significantly boosted his net worth, cementing his status as one of the most influential and prosperous personalities in both domains.

Preity Zinta: The Bubbly Owner's Cheer

In 2008, Preity Zinta, known for her roles in Bollywood hits like 'Kya Kehna' and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', ventured into cricket management. Preity became a cricket team owner, expanding her career outside cinema. In her amazing cricket team portfolio:

  • Punjab Kings XI: As the co-owner of this prominent IPL team, Preity brought a new level of enthusiasm and strategic insight to the league.
  • Stellenbosch Kings: After being purchased and renamed by Preity, this Mzansi Super League club from South Africa now boasts a new look and logo that reflects the country's strength, enthusiasm, and tenacity.
  • Saint Lucia Kings: A key player in the Caribbean Premier League, this team represents another significant aspect of Preity's international cricket involvement.

However, this beautiful woman did not stop at financial investment; she also attended Harvard Business School to master the intricacies of cricket management. Preity Zinta is a trailblazer in the sports world as the first and only female owner in the T20 Global League.

The Shilpa Shetty & Raj Kundra IPL Saga

The debut of Shilpa Shetty on "Celebrity Big Brother" catapulted her to worldwide prominence as a successful Bollywood actress. Her spouse, Raj Kundra, is a London-born businessman with a wide portfolio in real estate, steel, media, and film production.

By combining Shilpa's film star appeal with Raj's commercial savvy, they entered the high-stakes world of cricket ownership. Their run through the IPL is full of great gestures, daring maneuvers, and unexpected twists and turns.

Key events in their IPL journey:

1. 2009 Acquisition: Shilpa and Raj purchased an 11.7% stake in the Rajasthan Royals for $15.4 million.

2. Valentine's Day Gift: The stake in the team was an extravagant Valentine’s Day gift from Raj to Shilpa.

3. Business Strategy: Shilpa viewed this investment as a smart, recession-proof business strategy.

4. Controversy and Ban: They faced a lifetime ban from cricket activities in 2013 due to a betting scandal, leading to legal battles and eventual clearing of charges for Raj in 2018.

This IPL journey has been a captivating chapter in the actress's life, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity. It's a testament to navigating fame's ups and downs with positivity, proving that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and renewal.

Conclusion

These Bollywood actors and actresses have added their own special flavor to the sport of cricket. The cricket stadium has been transformed into a stage for great drama and entertainment thanks to the talents of these beautiful people. So, let's grab our popcorn and enjoy this star-studded cricketing drama!