Consortium of Telugu actors invest in Sachin Tendulkar’s ISL team Kerala Blasters

NEW DELHI: A consortium of Telugu actors Akkineni Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, film producer Allu Arvind and serial entrepreneur Nimmagadda Prasad have bought stake in Indian Super League football team Kerala Blasters from cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for an undisclosed amount.

The stake has been purchased in Blasters Sports Pvt Ltd, which owns Kerala Blasters. Sachin Tendulkar will continue to hold a significant stake in the team.

"We are beginning our third season in right earnest and have some of the biggest names coming on board as investors in Kerala Blasters. I welcome Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Allu Arvind and Prasad to this exciting experience which is made more special with the faith and unique place that Kerala Blasters holds in the hearts of millions of its followers," said cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Actor Chiranjeevi said, "I have been an aspiring footballer on the reel and I am very excited to be part of a popular club co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar. All of us in Kerala Blasters are committed to expanding the football base in the state and give the potential talent a platform to perform and excel."

The consortium that now co-owns Kerala Blasters were responsible for the turnaround of MAA Television Network Ltd.

They recently sold four Telugu entertainment channels to Rupert Murdoch’s Star India for an estimated Rs 2,000-2,500 crore. Kerala Blasters is the consortium’s first investment in the business of sports in the country.

"I have been supporting sports in the country and I am excited to start with football and a very special football team, the Kerala Blasters. I am keenly looking forward to experience the craze for the game in the state and beyond and wish the team the very best," said Akkineni Nagarjuna.