Rajasthan Royals buy Barbados Tridents, franchise to be renamed as Barbados Royals

Two times CPL Champions Barbados Tridents will now be called as Barbados Royals after Royals Sports Group (EM Sporting Holdings Ltd), owners of the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals purchased majority of stakes in the Barbados Tridents. The Royals is the third IPL franchise to take over a CPL franchise. Earlier in 2015, Kolkata Knight Riders owner, Red Chillies Entertainment, purchased Trinbago Knight Riders. KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, owners of Punjab Kings had also bought St Lucia Zouks last year.

Manoj Badale owner of EM Sporting Holdings Ltd said it will be a great opportunity for them to expand the Royals’ fanbase. The EM Sporting Holdings Ltd had recently increased their stakes to 65% in the Royals franchise.

“The idea of creating a global network behind the Royals brand is something that we are keen to do for many years, It was the opportunity too good to miss. The IPL is only on our screen for a short period of the annual calendar. Secondly, it gives our fans an opportunity to follow Royals teams across the world and in different locations. Thirdly, from a cricketing perspective to trial new things.” Badale asserted as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The 2021 edition of the CPL is set to commence from August 26, with the final being played on September 15. The tournament will be played at St Kitts & Nevis. The Royals will be led by Jason Holder while Kumar Sangakkara, who is the director of cricket for Rajasthan Royals will also supervise the operations of the CPL. Sangakkara welcomed the Barbados franchise to the Royals’ ecosystem.

"Barbados will be an important part of the Royals cricket ecosystem. With a fantastic talent pool of local players, we have the opportunity to innovate and develop strategies that will benefit the Royals Group. We are excited at the prospect of how we can promote the game of cricket," he said.