Sachin Tendulkar likely to sell off Kerala Blasters stakes

Sachin Tendulkar who has been associated with the Kochi-based franchise since 2014, has been an integral part of the club's image.

Sachin Tendulkar has been associated with the franchise since its inception in 2014 and is currently one of the co-owners.

Sachin Tendulkar, who owns part of the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters Football Club, in all likelihood will be selling off his stakes in the franchise before the start of the new season.

The decision might come as a blow for the Blasters as Tendulkar had always been an integral part club's image, and was a constant presence in the stands at home and away games.

Tendulkar has been associated with the franchise since its inception in 2014 and is currently one of the co-owners along with industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, producer Allu Arjun, actors Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi.

“Yes, there is a high possibility that Sachin might sell off his entire stakes that he had in Kerala Blasters. It had been an emotional association with the franchise but probably it’s time to move on,” an ISL source told PTI Saturday.

While it couldn’t be confirmed exactly how much stake Tendulkar had in the franchise, speculations are that it is around 20 percent.  There are rumours that a billionaire industrialist with interests in hypermarket chains and shopping malls will be buying Tendulkar’s stake.

Tendulkar had bought the Kochi-based franchise back in April 2014 along with entreprenuer Prasad V Potluri. In 2015, Potluri and his company PVP Ventures sold off their stakes and Tendulkar had then become a 40 percent stake-holder in the franchise. In 2016, Prasad along with the heavyweights of Southern film industry joined forces with Tendulkar.