CSK to buy a new team in India

In a groundbreaking development, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to reportedly be preparing a dramatic entry into the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Following UltraTech Cement's acquisition of N Srinivasan’s India Cements, with CSK not part of the deal, the IPL franchise is reportedly setting its sights on expanding into the Women's Premier League (WPL).

The buzz around CSK’s possible WPL franchise ownership has intensified with the impending appointment of Rupa Gurunath, N Srinivasan’s daughter, to the board of the Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL). Known for her ambitious vision and strategic acumen, Gurunath is expected to play a pivotal role in the plan to invest in women’s cricket.

Chennai Super Kings eye WPL franchise ownership

According to the Economic Times, a CSK executive revealed that the franchise is currently assessing the financial feasibility of owning a WPL franchise, with crucial decisions and strategies reportedly in the pipeline. The executive also mentioned that the CSK team is evaluating the experiences of the other five franchises in the WPL 2024 before making a final decision.

A CSK executive was quoted as saying by the Economic Times: “CSK is currently studying the financial viability and the experience of the other five IPL franchises that took part last year.”

Meanwhile, Rupa Gurunath will soon join the board of the CSKCL, bringing with her a vision for an ambitious future. It is being said that Gurunath’s plans include expanding the number of coaching centers for schoolchildren, enhancing fan engagement activities, and boosting revenue through increased sponsorships and merchandise sales.

Well, CSK has been no longer part of India Cements since 2015. Even after UltraTech Cement’s takeover, it is clear that the company will not have any influence or control over CSK. Even the CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, made it clear that the CSK is run only by the CSKCL while re-confirming that the IPL team and India Cements are different entities.

Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “Chennai Super Kings and India Cements are different entities. India Cements no longer controls the CSK team. The team is run by a company called Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL).”

History of India Cements and CSK

Notably, India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL began in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to CSKCL, a different entity. The former India and CSK captain, MS Dhoni, serves as one of the vice presidents of India Cements.

Srinivasan, the former BCCI president Vice Chairman, and Managing Director of India Cements, along with his family, are the primary promoters of the CSKCL. According to the company’s 2023 annual report, they hold a 28.14% stake and will continue to be the owners of the IPL team.

Beyond its involvement with CSK in the IPL, India Cements has been a significant supporter of cricket in Chennai by backing various clubs in the TNCA league across different divisions. The company employs several former first-class and international cricketers and manages three prominent teams in the First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).