Salman pitches for IPL team

Mumbai
Aug. 26: The stars are queuing up to buy the two new Indian Premier League franchises that will be up for sale by January. Bollywood actor Salman Khan is keen to buy a franchise in the league, IPL chief Lalit Modi confirmed on Wednesday.

Sources also indicated that Bollywood stars Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan and Malayalam actor Mohanlal are also interested in owning IPL teams. The multi-million dollar Twenty20 series, which features almost all top international players, has also gained popularity for its entertainment element. Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty all own IPL teams.

Salman Khan met Modi on Wednesday to explore how he could join the bandwagon. “He is aware of the price of a franchise, which will be between $200 and $300 million,” Modi said. “He has been keen on buying a franchise for some time now and wanted to know about the process of auctions and the money involved.”

IPL has proved to be a money spinner since its inception two years ago, raking in millions of dollars in advertising and ticket revenues. The celebrities the tournament attracts, combined with India’s passion for films and cricket, has further boosted its profile.