Kolkata: Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta will now own the Stellenbosch franchise- ‘Stellenbosch Monarchs’ in the South Africa’s T20 Global League. She thus becomes the third Indian to own a team in the T20 tournament after Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders, GMR’s Delhi Daredevils.
Early in the month of August, Brimstone Investment Corporation decided to discontinue their ownership interests of the franchise as a result of which the same was made available as it was the only team among the eight franchises in the competition to not have an owner.
“I am extremely proud to announce and warmly welcome Preity Zinta to South Africa and the T20 Global League family,” said Haroon Lorgat, the Chief Executive of Cricket South Africa.
He added further, “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 T20GL.”
Preity Zinta, excited on her new venture with the South African franchise 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.”
Faf Du Plessis, South African skipper and the marquee player of the Stellenbosch monarchs too was excited with Preity Zinta being the team’s new owner.
He said, “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.”
They play their first home match of the tournament against Jo’burg Giants on the 4th of November at the Boland Park in Paarl.