IPL focus

In the limelight in the rainbow nation (South Africa) for the ongoing DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) is industrialist and Bombay Dyeing joint managing director Ness Wadia, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab. Wadia has been seen frequently on television, being interviewed by on-field commentators or being part of the presentation party (which gives out the man of the match and other awards after each game).

Sanguine about the success of the IPL, Wadia believes the tournament will create a connect in South Africa and that despite the economic slowdown the second edition will be grander and more popular than the previous one last year. "People are going to come out and watch the games…(cricket is) the only common denominator in India — it goes across all boundaries, all religion, all ages. So it is a great binder and is going to do great going forward,” 38-year-old Wadia is quoted by the leading financial portal www.moneycontrol.com

Ness Wadia: connecting with cricket as team co-owner

Wadia sees good brand building for the Wadia Group from his collaboration with the IPL. Talking to The Financial Express before the tournament began Wadia stated: "It is impossible to think of gaining from any business in a short period. I am not looking for huge profit even this year, but we definitely want to connect with the community to promote cricket at the grassroots level.” Wadia bought the Mohali franchise last year along with Bollywood star and ex girlfriend (from whom he has reportedly split recently) Preity Zinta, Karan Paul of the Apeejay Surrendra Group and Mohit Burman of Dabur, paying a total of $ 76 million to acquire the franchise (Mukesh Ambani’s Mumbai Indians being the most expensive at $ 111.9 million).

With its staggering finances and overall prize money, teams are jostling for the first four spots on the league table which will take them to the semifinals. While admitting "our bowling is definitely an issue (mainly due to injuries to key players),” Wadia stated, "we want to be focused and win the tournament this time,” reports the MSN India site.