In a significant development, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly preparing to make a bold move into the Women’s Premier League (WPL). With UltraTech Cement acquiring N Srinivasan’s India Cements—excluding CSK from the deal—the IPL franchise is now eyeing expansion into the WPL.
The speculation about CSK potentially owning a WPL franchise has increased with the upcoming appointment of Rupa Gurunath, N Srinivasan’s daughter, to the Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL) board. Known for her ambitious goals and strategic insight, Gurunath is anticipated to play a key role in advancing investment in women’s cricket.
Chennai Super Kings eye WPL franchise ownership
According to the Economic Times, a CSK executive revealed that the franchise is currently assessing the financial feasibility of owning a WPL franchise, with crucial decisions and strategies reportedly in the pipeline. The executive also mentioned that the CSK team is evaluating the experiences of the other five franchises in the WPL 2024 before making a final decision.WPL
A CSK executive was quoted as saying by the Economic Times: “CSK is currently studying the financial viability and the experience of the other five IPL franchises that took part last year.”
Meanwhile, Rupa Gurunath will soon join the board of the CSKCL, bringing with her a vision for an ambitious future. It is being said that Gurunath’s plans include expanding the number of coaching centers for schoolchildren, enhancing fan engagement activities, and boosting revenue through increased sponsorships and merchandise sales.
Well, CSK has been no longer part of India Cements since 2015. Even after UltraTech Cement’s takeover, it is clear that the company will not have any influence or control over CSK. Even the CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, made it clear that the CSK is run only by the CSKCL while re-confirming that the IPL team and India Cements are different entities.
Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “Chennai Super Kings and India Cements are different entities. India Cements no longer controls the CSK team. The team is run by a company called Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL).”
History of India Cements and CSK
India Cements initially acquired the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when the IPL was launched in 2008. However, in 2015, ownership of the team was transferred to CSKCL, a separate entity. Former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni serves as one of the vice presidents of India Cements.
Srinivasan, former BCCI president and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements, along with his family, are the primary backers of CSKCL. According to the company’s 2023 annual report, they hold a 28.14% stake and will retain ownership of the IPL team.
Apart from its role with CSK in the IPL, India Cements has been a major supporter of cricket in Chennai, sponsoring various clubs in the TNCA league across multiple divisions. The company also employs several former first-class and international cricketers and oversees three prominent First Division teams: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).
