Phil Oliver: I am happy to say that we are looking into all opportunities, including the WIPL
The owners of the Manchester United team, who had tried their hand at an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, confirmed interest in the Women’s IPL while The BCCI, as first revealed by Cricbuzz, will conduct the auction for the WIPL franchises on January 25.
The owners of the Manchester United team, who had tried their hand at an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, confirmed interest in the Women’s IPL.
In a discussion with Cricbuzz, on the sidelines of ILT20 in Dubai, where they own the Desert Vipers team, a representative for the owners said the Avaram Glazer is truly checking the WIPL out.
“Having bought into the ILT20, it is natural for us to look into other cricket opportunities around the world, including Women’s IPL,”
Phil Oliver, the CEO of Desert Vipers, told this website on Friday (January 13).
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as first revealed by Cricbuzz, will conduct the auction for the WIPL franchises on January 25.
He, however, has refused to reveal if they have bought the Invitation To Tender (ITT) document, a prerequisite for buying a side.
“I can’t reveal the details of how far we are in that process but I am happy to say that we are looking into all opportunities, including the WIPL. The Indian market is of interest to us. A lot of Indian cricket fans will be watching this tournament and will see what the Desert Vipers will bring to that. If anything, we want to bring an exciting brand of cricket to the Indian fans, just as to our fans all around the world,”
Oliver said. The ITT will be available for purchase till January 21.
It is perceived that since the BCCI launched the WIPL franchise ITT recently, it has made a great deal of buzz in the Indian and overseas markets.
Over 20 parties, including most of the existing IPL franchises and those who have missed out on buying an IPL side in 2021, are hoped to have taken the ITT and there could be serious jarring among the bidders.
The Glazer family was one of the bidders for the two new IPL teams which eventually went to Sanjiv Goenka (Lucknow Super Giants) and CVC Capital (Gujarat Titans).
Avram Glazer, represented by Lancer Capital, had put offers worth Rs 4125.65 crores for the Ahmedabad team and Rs 4023.99 crores for the Lucknow team.
Oliver strove to differentiate the involvement of Manchester United and Avaram Glazer in the involvement in cricket.
“Just to draw the initial distinction, it was not Manchester United that was looking at an IPL team. The distinction is important. Avaram Glazer of Lancer Capital bid for an IPL team when it expanded last year. That company has bought a franchise in ILT20, Desert Viper, and Manchester United is not represented here,”
he clarified.