Man United owners, the Glazer family, show interest in new franchise club

The Glazer family, Manchester United’s majority owners, have shown interest in owning a cricket franchise in the Indian Premier League [IPL].

The domestic T20 league run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India [BCCI] have decided to add two more franchises to the season starting in 2022.

Earlier this month, the BCCI confirmed the date to purchase the Invitation to Tender [ITT], to own and operate an IPL team, has been extended until October 20th. Interested parties can purchase the application by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000,000 [€11482].

According to Times of India, the Glazers, who own United, have ‘shown interest’ in owning a domestic cricket franchise in the IPL. The BCCI are opening doors for foreign investors, as long as they decide to set up a company in the country after confirming the purchase of a franchise.

Regarding the Manchester United owner’s interest in buying an IPL team, a source said: “So, technically, overseas investors are eligible to submit a bid if they meet these conditions. We don’t really know whether Manchester United’s owners will come to the bidding table. What we certainly know is that they’ve shown interest.”

The report also states: ‘For instance, potential bidders are expected to submit an average turnover of Rs 3,000 crore [€340m] or a personal net worth of Rs 2,500 crore [€290m] to be eligible to bid.’

Cricbuzz are also reporting a ‘top European football club’ are in the running to buy the IPL team, but there’s no mention of the details of said club.