Besides Kings XI Punjab, Preity Zinta will now preside over the affairs of another Twenty20 franchise across the Indian ocean. The Bollywood actress has been announced as the owner of the Stellenbosch franchise in the T20 Global League of South Africa. The team, one of eight to participate in the tourney, will be based out of Paarl.
“The introduction of a Bollywood star like Preity Zinta speaks volumes for the T20 Global League and finalises an eminent and enviable group of owners. Her experience and stardom will add value to the [league],” Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.
‘Very special’
“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,” Zinta said.
The league is set to be held later this year, “the last quarter of 2017,” according to a CSA communique. Like other Twenty20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League, this one will also be played by a set of local (in this case South African) and international players from around the world.
‘Awesome time’
Seven other teams will feature, besides Stellenbosch, and they will be based out of Benoni, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth.
Stellenbosch “marquee player” Faf du Plessis expressed delight at Zinta’s inclusion. “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,” du Plessis said.
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