Sachin Tendulkar becomes co-owner of Bengaluru Blasters in PBL

One of the greatest batsmen in cricketing history Sachin Tendulkar progressed into the world of badminton as he now co-owns Premier Badminton League (PBL) franchise “Bengaluru Blasters” alongside Tollywood actors like Chiranjeevi, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Allu Arvind.

“Sachin, Chiranjeevi, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Allu Aravind, besides myself – we all of us have formed a consortium and invested in Bengaluru Blasters,” team co-owner and businessman Nimmagadda Prasad told reporters. Prasad denied sharing the details of the stakes picked up by the consortium members but said he would disclose it at an appropriate time.

“For now we will not disclose the breakup of investments made by the members of the consortium, but would disclose it at an opportune time,” he said. Speaking on the risk factor involved with entering into a badminton league which hasn’t quite taken off as per the expectations compared to the Pro-Kabbadi League, Prasad said the investors have bought the team after having a close look at the risk factors involved and with an ambition to raise the standard of sports in the country.

“When it comes sport, every entrepreneur faces this challenge. Let me tell you, sir, this is not a venture for making profits, but to raise the standards of badminton in India,” he said. Speaking of Sachin Tendulkar’s presence as the co-owner of the badminton team, national coach Pullela Gopichand said that the “little master’s” presence will not only lift the morale of the team but will also attract more spectators to the ground.

Tendulkar stated that it was the correct time to support badminton after the recent wave of success for India in badminton globally. “Badminton is the epitome of fitness, flexibility, agility and skill and its adoption will contribute to India s path to fitness. I m excited to be part of Bengaluru Blasters team and wish them the very best for the upcoming season,” he said.