Shah Rukh Khan, GMR buy franchises in South African League

Indian Premiere League franchies Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and Delhi Daredevils (DD) owners GMR have bought franchises in the Cricket South Africa’s T20 Global League. GMR’s team will be based in Johannesburg while South African pacer Kagiso Rabada will be its marquee player. Shah Rukh’s franchise will be based in Cape Town with left-handed batsman J.P. Duminy as the marquee player. The name of the team will be Cape Town Knight Riders. After having acquired the Cape Town franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders’ CEO Venky Mysore said, “This initiative is part of our global plans, from Kolkata to Trinidad and now Cape Town.” Kolkata Knight Riders owners also have a team in the Caribbean Premier League – the Trinbago Knight Riders. Hemant Dua of GMR, owners of Johannesburg franchise, said, “This is part of our global strategy. DD has several South African players and Kagiso Rabada will take the journey forward for us in global T20.” The player draft is scheduled for Aug.19 with almost 400 players from 10 countries confirming their interest.