Virat Kohli's new pitch isn't cricket but he is interested in bowling! Check what's his latest bet
The World Bowling League (WBL) received a major boost on Wednesday with Virat Kohli coming on board as a strategic investor. The announcement marks a high-profile push to raise the sport's profile globally.Kohli, one of the most recognised names in world cricket, is also a massive social media figure. He is the third-most followed athlete on Instagram, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In a statement, the league organisers said, "The World Bowling League (WBL) is pleased to announce cricketing icon Virat Kohli as a strategic investor in the league, igniting a bold new chapter to elevate the sport of bowling."
The WBL is owned by League Sports Co. While the league has yet to announce details such as franchises or a schedule for its first tournament, it has already made headlines with its plan to feature mixed-gender teams. One of the earliest known investors is Mookie Betts, a star for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, who bought the first publicly announced WBL team. Kohli, 36, issued a statement through League Sports Co. saying, "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12. It is evident how popular the sport is while being under-appreciated as a business proposition." "I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner."
Kohli also owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and holds a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League.
"When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport. Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken," League Sports Co. founder and CEO Adi K. Mishra said.Kohli recently retired from Test cricket. He now only plays for India in the 50-over format and continues to feature in the Indian Premier League.
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