Virat Kohli starts tennis innings as UAE Royals co-owner in IPTL

Says he made a firm decision to invest with Roger Federer joining the UAE Royals

After picking up minority stake in the Goa franchise of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) last year, Indian test captain Virat Kohli has now invested in the Dubai frnachise of Mahesh

Bhupati-promoted Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

The franchise, called UAE Royals also has on board Neelesh Bhatnagar and Sachin Gadoya as co-owners.

“I have always followed tennis with great interest and today I am glad to be part of a professional tennis league team,” said Virat Kohli at the official unveiling of the UAE Royals team for the second season of IPTL 2015.

“I am a huge fan of Roger Federer and with him joining the UAE Royals, my decision to be on board with the team was firm. The UAE Royals feature some of tennis’ greatest players and I am confident about the prospects of the team in the IPTL. I am also excited about the format ofthe IPTL, which I am sure will drive further interest in the game of tennis.”
 

The amount of stake picked up by Kohli and the investment is yet unknown. The development, however, is yet another case of a cricketer investing in sports teams. Already, Sachin Tendulkar co-owns the Kochi franchise in the Hero ISL and Dhoni is a minority stakeholder in the Chennaiyan FC club of the same league.

Sourav Ganguly is part of the consortium that owns the Atletico de Kolkata, the winner of the inaugural season of the Hero ISL.

Roger Federer has joined the UAE Royals franchise in the second season of the Coca-Cola IPTL 2015 that will be held from 2nd to 20th December, 2015.