Bollywood actress and Indian Premier League side Kings XI Punjab team co-owner, Preity Zinta, on Friday, was confirmed as the owner of the Paarl-based Stellenbosch franchise in South Africa’s T20 Global League.
“I am extremely proud to announce and warmly welcome Preity Zinta to South Africa and the T20 Global League family,” said Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “The introduction of a Bollywood star like Preity Zinta speaks volumes for the T20 Global League and finalizes an eminent and enviable group of owners. Her experience and stardom will add value to the T20 GL. “It pays to work diligently and to be patient when setting up a League of the magnitude we envisage,” Lorgat added.
Zinta became co-owner of the Kings Punjab XI in 2008 and was the only woman owner of an IPL team at the time. The 42-year-old is also the only woman to own a T20 GL franchise, “I would like to compliment and thank Haroon Lorgat from Cricket South Africa for his unrelenting persistence, passion and belief in the T20 Global league which inspired me to come on board Zinta said. “I firmly believe that this is the most exciting time for young South African cricketing talent. This league will give them an opportunity to take the leap from becoming the best in the country to becoming the best in the world,” she added.
“I hope the people of the winelands area of South Africa have an unrivalled fan experience during this tournament and believe together we will make our team and stadium something very special,” explained Zinta.
Stellenbosch franchise’s marquee player, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, expressed delight at learning about Zinta being his new team owner.“I’m very excited to see that Preity Zinta has come on board. I have heard from my team mates that she is very good to work with, so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing how she impacts our team space.
She is also very passionate about the sport and I am sure local fans will have an awesome time at Boland Park,” the 33-year-old said.
The Stellenbosch side play their first home game on Saturday, 4 November at Boland Park, at Paarl against the Johannesburg burg Giants.