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Salman Khan Reveals Why He Rejected Offer to Own an IPL Franchise
Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has finally disclosed why he never joined the star-studded list of Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners, despite being offered the opportunity during the tournament’s launch in 2008. His revelation comes years after fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Preity Zinta invested in IPL franchises, making headlines in both cricket and entertainment circles.
A Missed Chance in Cricket’s Biggest League
The IPL, launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), quickly grew into one of the world’s most lucrative and widely followed cricket leagues. At the time, it attracted interest not only from top cricketers but also from India’s biggest celebrities and industrialists.
Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla famously co-purchased the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while Preity Zinta became co-owner of the Punjab Kings.
Salman Khan’s Light-Hearted Response
During a recent media interaction in Mumbai, Salman Khan, now 59, was asked if he had ever considered owning an IPL team. In his trademark humorous style, he replied, “IPL ke liye too old ho gaye hum” (“I am too old to buy an IPL team now”).
However, the actor went on to confirm that the offer had indeed been on the table back when the IPL was just beginning.
Why Salman Said No to the IPL
Salman revealed that while the proposition was tempting, he chose not to take it up. “The IPL offer was made earlier, but I didn’t accept it,” he said. Importantly, he added that he does not regret the decision: “It’s not like I regret it. I’m happy.”
At the time, many stars saw IPL team ownership as a long-term investment and a way to merge cricket with showbiz glamour. Salman, however, decided to steer clear, preferring to focus on his acting career and other ventures.
For readers interested in how other celebrities got involved in cricket, check out our detailed guide to celebrity-owned cricket teams.
From IPL to ISPL: Salman Khan’s Cricket Ownership Journey
Stepping Into T10 Cricket
While he may have declined the IPL opportunity, Salman Khan eventually made his mark in another cricket format. He became the owner of the New Delhi franchise in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) — a T10 tennis-ball cricket tournament designed to promote grassroots-level talent.
The ISPL has gained popularity for its fast-paced matches and celebrity involvement. Big names like Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Ram Charan, and Amitabh Bachchan also own franchises.
A Star-Studded Tournament
The league’s second season concluded earlier this year in dramatic style. Amitabh Bachchan’s Majhi Mumbai emerged champions after defeating Akshay Kumar’s Srinagar Ke Veer in a nail-biting final, further cementing the ISPL as a growing entertainment-sport hybrid event.
What’s Next for Salman Khan?
Aside from his sports ventures, Salman remains one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. His last release, Sikandar, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, created a stir at the box office earlier this year. Currently, he is filming Battle of Galwan, a war drama based on the 2020 India-China Galwan Valley conflict.
For more on the latest Bollywood and cricket crossover news, visit this comprehensive coverage.
