Abhishek Bachchan Shares Motivation Behind Sports Ventures and Building Long-Term Franchises
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has detailed his ten-year path as a sports entrepreneur, explaining that his investments in competitive sports leagues have been driven by passion and long-term institution building rather than pure commercial motives.
What Happened
Speaking with PwC India Chairperson Sanjeev Krishan on the podcast Future Unplugged, Abhishek Bachchan discussed his ventures in sports ownership, which span kabaddi, football, and international cricket. He explained that his interest began with encouragement from his father, Amitabh Bachchan, who introduced him to kabaddi in their home garden and familiarised him with international sports figures such as Pelé, Muhammad Ali, Zico, and Sócrates.
His entry into professional sports ownership commenced with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League. Bachchan relocated to Jaipur weeks before the opening season to oversee operations, track player diets, and join training sessions. He subsequently expanded his sports footprint by investing in Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League. Bachchan noted that running teams in disciplines outside of cricket presents distinct hurdles, stating that non-cricket sports in India are continually evaluated against cricket, though he maintains confidence that the investment will yield results over time.
Expanding beyond domestic teams, Bachchan co-founded the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) alongside a group of Indian partners. The competition aims to establish a franchise structure across the Netherlands, Scotland, and Ireland, which he identified as the remaining major cricket territory without a dedicated professional T20 club tournament. The enterprise involves committing personal capital and bringing in figures who hold a long-term approach, including Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh, and Faf du Plessis.
Key Highlights
- Early Sporting Influences: Bachchan credited his father for instilling an appreciation for sports through childhood practice and exposure to global sports legends.
- Hands-On Franchise Role: During the setup of Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bachchan stayed in Jaipur ahead of the inaugural season to engage directly with player conditioning, nutrition, and team logistics.
- Approach to Investment: Bachchan revealed that he has never approached sports purely as a business enterprise, joking that his accountant does not favour that perspective.
- Multi-Sport Portfolio: Beyond kabaddi with Jaipur Pink Panthers and football with Chennaiyin FC, he is developing the European T20 Premier League across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
- Sports vs. Film Spectators: Comparing sports audiences to moviegoers, Bachchan remarked that sports supporters display enduring and tribal loyalty when an organisation demonstrates authentic commitment.
Why This Matters
Bachchan’s reflections outline the specific challenges and patience required when financing sports that compete for audience attention against cricket in India. His experience highlights a focus on establishing infrastructure and grassroots involvement rather than treating sports clubs solely as conventional commercial holdings. Furthermore, the establishment of the ETPL reflects an initiative by Indian investors to open new markets for professional cricket in European nations.
What to Watch Next
Future developments will centre on the progress of the European T20 Premier League as it works to establish competition schedules across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands alongside international sporting figures connected to the venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports teams does Abhishek Bachchan own or back?
According to the discussion, Bachchan owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League, co-owns Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, and is a co-founder of the European T20 Premier League.
What is the European T20 Premier League?
The ETPL is a proposed professional T20 cricket competition across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, founded by Bachchan alongside Indian partners to create a competitive league in Europe.
Which cricket personalities are associated with Bachchan’s European cricket project?
Bachchan referenced involving stakeholders with long-term perspectives, mentioning Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh, and Faf du Plessis.
Source: Future Unplugged podcast with Sanjeev Krishan, reported via Bollywood Hungama.