Abhishek Bachchan has spoken about why he has stayed away from investing in the Indian Premier League, despite several Bollywood celebrities owning teams in the tournament. Abhishek also explained that other than finances, he was not sure how to contribute to the sport at that time. Talking about cricket specifically, the actor admitted that he was not familiar with the sport earlier.
Abhishek Bachchan has spoken about why he has stayed away from investing in the Indian Premier League, despite several Bollywood celebrities owning teams in the tournament.In a recent interaction with Forbes, the actor said that cost was a major factor when he started the league.“It’s interesting. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like the Indian Premier League. I think it’s the best in sports entertainment. I would love to be involved in it, but at the time – to be honest, first of all – when it started, it was very expensive. I was a budding actor… my films had just started doing well, and I started earning some decent money, but it was outside my budget,” he said.
“I’m not one to sit and wave.”
Abhishek also explained that other than finances, he was not sure how to contribute to the sport at that time.“More importantly, I didn’t know what I could contribute. In terms of infrastructure, BCCI is doing a fantastic job – so what can I bring to the table? I’m not someone who is happy to sit in the stands and wave. ‘Oh, the star has arrived’ – I’m not that person,” he added.Highlighting his approach to ownership of the sport, he said: “If you see me at my matches, I’m very involved. I sit with the players. I live with them. I coach them if I can.
I even approve of what they eat every day. I micromanage everything, and that’s the way I like to work.
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‘never say never’
Talking about cricket specifically, the actor admitted that he was not familiar with the sport earlier.“I didn’t know how I could contribute because I wasn’t as well versed in the sport then as I am now. I was more familiar with other sports and didn’t know how I could help. But never say never – maybe something will happen in the future,” he said.
The Indian Premier League began in 2008, when Abhishek was still establishing himself in Bollywood. He later ventured into sports ownership with teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Chennaiyin FC, both of which went on to achieve success in their respective leagues.