Sanjay Dutt buys team in the Masters Champions League

MUMBAI: Movie actor Sanjay Dutt, serving time until next year for his alleged role in the 1993 Bombay blasts, has bought a franchise in the UAE-based Masters Champions League (MCL). Dutt's wife, Maanyata, who's been looking after his business interests in his absence, worked on the deal with the new league for retired international cricketers that will get underway next year.

On Tuesday, former India batsman Virender Sehwag was in Dubai, alongside Brian Lara, Graeme Smith and others, to announce his participation in the league for ex-cricketers. Speaking to TOI about the move to buy the franchise, Maanyata said "As a family, we have always been passionate about sport. Sanjay, in particular, has been an avid sports enthusiast since childhood."

Dutt is expected to finish his prison sentence next year and until he's back, talent management company CAA KWAN will run the team. "Like most Indians, we are extremely passionate about cricket and just the thought of owning a team with legends like Sehwag, Lara, Kallis being part of it is tremendously exciting. We are sure MCL is a unique concept and will prove to be a valuable investment," Maanyata added.

Dutt's first foray into sport was with the Super Fight League that was formed in 2012 along with actor Shilpa Shetty's husband and former Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra. India captain MS Dhoni's good friend and manager Arun Pandey, who runs Rhiti Sports, has also invested in a MCL franchise. Digital agency Everymedia is also buying an MCL franchise.