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In terms of ownership in sports, the Glazers Family who co-owns Manchester United, are undoubtedly one of the most established names in the industry. Avram "Avie" Glazer, one of the siblings of the family, is the chairman of Lancer Capital which also owns the American football team Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Man Utd is one of the most successful clubs in England, the Buccaneers are the 2020 Super Bowl champion.
With a history of operating such big clubs, the Glazers have now decided to make an entry into the business of cricket. Their keen interest in buying an IPL franchise few days back was an indication about their eagerness to own a cricket franchise, considering the continuous growth of the sport across the globe.
I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20: Avram Glazer
Having failed in their plans to buy an IPL team, Avram Glazer's Lancer Capitals has finally managed to crack the deal after securing one of the six franchises who will take part in the upcoming UAE T20 League.
“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,” Avram Glazer said after buying the franchise.
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board, also expressed his delight to have Glazers on board. He said, "We are extremely pleased that a legendary sports owner like Avie Glazer has chosen to partner with the UAE T20 League. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established sports business owners."
Who are the other owners in the league?
The inaugural edition of the UAE T20 League will have 34 matches (in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) with 6 franchises competing against each other for the title. Apart from Glazers, there are three owners from Indian Premier League as well in form of Reliance Industries (owners of Mumbai Indians), Shah Rukh Khan (owner of Kolkata Knight Riders) and GMR Group (co-owners of Delhi Capitals).
There is also an Ahmedabad-based micro finance company Capri Global in addition to the owners of BBL franchise Sydney Sixers, completing the list of six owners for the franchises in tournament.