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MRF interested in Chennai Super Kings sale

Tyre major & Chennai businessman are in fray to buy IPL franchise

Chennai: High among potential buyers of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, whenever it comes up formally for sale, could be a couple of local names. It is being speculated in cricket circles that likely suitors for the ‘yellow jersey’ team are businessman Varun Manian and the tyre manufacturing giant MRF.

The India Cements Ltd, owner of CSK, is yet to formally seek the permission of BCCI. But the paperwork is likely to be ready well before the IPL Governing Council meets on February 9. The preparations for IPL season-8 are to begin with the auction on February 16 and the franchise owners’ meeting is scheduled for the next day.

Varun Manian, who recently got engaged to actor Trisha, is a high profile businessman with interests in films and real estate. He is known to be close to members of the Srinivasan family. It was in his private jet that Gurunath Meiyappan and Srinivasan travelled to Mumbai in May 2013 from Madurai when the betting scandal ripped open Season 6 of the IPL.

The MRF has a long association with the game, which began with the establishment of the pace foundation in Chennai in 1987. The tyre major also has a cricket team in the senior division of the TNCA league. With major interests in motor sport and cricket, the company has a wealth of experience in administering sports teams and events.

The young scion of the owning family, who now looks after the pace foundation, may be taking an interest in making a bid possible.

It is being speculated in business and cricket circles that Varun Manian may be the preferred candidate if there are only a couple of bidders.

The deal may be complicated by the legal position and permissions being necessary from the three-member committee of former SC judges in whose hands the very destiny of the two IPL teams — Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals — lies. CSK must, however, be sold if Mr Srinivasan, the beleaguered chairman of the ICC, is to become eligible to stand for election to the post of president of the BCCI.

( Source : dc correspondent )
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