Virat Kohli’s new pitch isn’t cricket but he is interested in bowling! Check what's his latest bet

The World Bowling League (WBL) received a major boost on Wednesday with Virat Kohli coming on board as a strategic investor. The announcement marks a high-profile push to raise the sport’s profile globally.

Kohli, one of the most recognised names in world cricket, is also a massive social media figure. He is the third-most followed athlete on Instagram, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

In a statement, the league organisers said, "The World Bowling League (WBL) is pleased to announce cricketing icon Virat Kohli as a strategic investor in the league, igniting a bold new chapter to elevate the sport of bowling."


The WBL is owned by League Sports Co. While the league has yet to announce details such as franchises or a schedule for its first tournament, it has already made headlines with its plan to feature mixed-gender teams. One of the earliest known investors is Mookie Betts, a star for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, who bought the first publicly announced WBL team.

Kohli, 36, issued a statement through League Sports Co. saying, "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12. It is evident how popular the sport is while being under-appreciated as a business proposition."
"I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner."

Kohli also owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and holds a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League.

"When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport. Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken," League Sports Co. founder and CEO Adi K. Mishra said.

Kohli recently retired from Test cricket. He now only plays for India in the 50-over format and continues to feature in the Indian Premier League.