Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi has claimed that a top English football club is planning to bid for an IPL team but the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have denied any such interest.
"There is a very famous football club in the UK very interested in bidding. (They are) probably one of the most famous football clubs ¿ probably top three. They are interested in taking a stake," Modi told 'The Times'.
Manchester United quickly clarified that they were not keen on any such move while Chelsea's name was shot down by Modi himself.
The likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are in debt and unsure about their long-term ownership, ruling out any such move from them. Manchester City, a club acquired by Gulf-based owners, may be interested but a team official denied that Modi could be referring to them.
The IPL will include two new teams from the 2011 season and these will be auctioned before this year's edition starting March 12.
The franchise rights' base price has been set at USD 225 million and potential investors could make their first move as early as this week.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app