The co-chairman of Manchester United, Avram Glazer, has completed the acquisition of a franchise set to compete in the newly-formed UAE T20 League.
Lancer Capital, a private equity firm of which Glazer is chairman, has completed the purchase.
The six-team league is reportedly set to begin in the UAE in early 2022. However, the identity of each franchise has yet to be officially announced.
Let’s take a look at Avram Glazer’s newest acquisition in more detail. In addition, we’ll see what the UAE T20 League is and whether the purchase affects Man United:
What is the UAE T20 League?
The UAE T20 League is a planned six-team league. It is reportedly set to take place in 2022. That will be its inaugural competition.
T20 cricket is one of the most popular formats in cricket. The vast majority of ICC members or associate members have domestic leagues in their country. Furthermore, some leagues make huge profits.
The UAE T20 League was announced in February. In addition, the country currently hosts a league for the shorter T10 format. England one-day captain Eoin Morgan, West Indies legend Chris Gayle and former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis are amongst the players involved.
Will the purchase by Avram Glazer affect Manchester United?
The acquisition of the UAE T10 franchise is the latest attempt by the Glazers – specifically Avram in this case – to branch out into other sports.
The Glazer family have owned NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1995, before their takeover of Manchester United. Furthermore, the Buccaneers are two-time Super Bowl winners.
Speaking after the acquisition of the T20 franchise (via Cricinfo), Avram Glazer said: “I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation. UAE T20 promises to be a world class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates.”
Have the Glazer family attempted to enter cricket previously?
Yes. In October, they made an attempt to purchase one of two new franchises competing in the blockbuster Indian Premier League (IPL).
It was reported by the Daily Mail that the Glazers were one of 18 parties to express an interest in owning one of the franchises. However, they went on to lose out to private equity firm CVC Capital, and also RPSG Ventures.
Read: Glazers lose out in attempt to purchase new IPL franchise
The IPL will have 12 teams in 2022 – the biggest in its 14-year history. Chennai Super Kings are the reigning champions.
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