Knight Riders Group acquires Abu Dhabi franchise in UAE T20 league

The Knight Riders Group has acquired the rights to own and operate the Abu Dhabi franchise and will establish Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as an integral part of the UAE’s flagship T20 league, the UAE T20 League. 

The Knight Riders Group has become a household name in T20 cricket over the last decade. After founding the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, they acquired the Trinbago Knight Riders of the Caribbean Premier League in 2015 before investing in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.

“For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the UAE. We are excited about becoming part of UAE’s T20 League, which no doubt will become hugely successful," in response to the long-term agreement, Group co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan expressed.

“The commitment to grow the T20 format and the expertise gathered by the Knight Riders Group, through their involvement in franchise cricket across the world, is undisputed,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of the UAE T20 League. 

“We are pleased with the association of the Knight Riders Group with the League as a franchise team owner," Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board, stated.

Usmani also said that Emirates Cricket Board was confident that this association would be mutually beneficial for both the Knight Riders brand and the League. 

“UAE’s T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players,” said Usmani.

“We feel fortunate to have been consistently recognized as a global brand in T20 cricket. As T20 cricket expands around the world, we are flattered by the regular invitations to play a major role in growing the sport across the world. We have had a keen interest in the developments in the UAE, and our expansion is consistent with our long-term strategy,” said KKR CEO Venky Mysore.