Mumbai team in IPTL funded by Hyderabadi entrepreneur, top sports icon to be face of the franchise

Rafael Nadal, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna are all part of the Mumbai franchise

A top Indian sports icon would, in all likelihood, be the face of the Mumbai franchise in Mahesh Bhupathi‘s newly launched International Premier Tennis League, according to the Times of India.

And although the identity of the star has not yet been revealed, what is now open knowledge is that the funds for the team have been contributed by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Prasad V Potluri.

Potluri, who owns PVP Ventures, a real estate and movie production company in south India, bought the Mumbai franchise for an undisclosed sum last month.

The businessman has been an active investor in various growing leagues in India, with majority stake in the Indian Badminton League franchise Hyderabad Hotshots. He had also attempted to buy the distressed IPL outfit Deccan Chargers on more occasions than one.

The TOI also confirmed the involvement of former Andhra Pradesh cricket captain and administrator V Chamundeshwarnath. In an interview, Chamundeshwarnath confirmed that it was an intriguing concept and a great business opportunity.

“We (he and Prasad) knew Mahesh well and we liked it when the idea was floated. We see great potential in a league of this standard. A lot of planning has gone into it and we hope it’ll catch the imagination of the fans in India and abroad,” he said.

The organisers of the IPTL have so far refrained from revealing the identities of the faces behind the franchises, stating that the owners will themselves do that in due course.

A total of $24 million was spent by all teams, recruiting 28 international players in total. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 13 this year.