Abhishek Bachchan He explains why he stayed away from investing in the Indian Premier League, despite several Bollywood celebrities owning teams in the tournament.In a recent interaction with Forbes, the actor said that cost was an important factor when the league started.“It’s very interesting. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like the IPL. I think it’s the ultimate in sports entertainment. I’d love to take part in it, but at the time – first of all, to be honest – when it started, it was very expensive. I was a novice actor… My films had started well, but I had enough money, but I had enough budget.” he said
“I’m not someone who sits and whines”
Abhishek also, beyond funding, he wasn’t sure how he could help athletes at that time.“More importantly, I didn’t know what I could contribute. In terms of infrastructure, BCCI does a fantastic job, so what could I bring to the table? I’m not someone who’s happy to sit in the stands and wave. ‘Oh, a star has arrived’, I’m not that person,” he added.Highlighting his approach to sports ownership, he said: “If you’ve seen it in my games, I’m very involved. I sit with the players. I live with them. I train them if I can. I even support what they eat every day. I micromanage everything, that’s how I like to work.”
‘never say never’
Speaking specifically about cricket, the actor admitted that he was not familiar with the sport before.“I didn’t know how I could contribute, then I wasn’t as well versed in sports as I am now. I knew other sports and I didn’t know how I could help. But never say never, maybe something will happen in the future,” he said. IPL started in 2008 when Abhishek was still establishing himself in Bollywood. He later ventured into sports ownership with teams like Jaipur Pink Panther and Chennaiyin FC, both achieving success in their respective leagues.
