Generous owners splash out huge cash to pamper IPL players in ultra-lavish properties

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

The hype and hoopla that surrounds the Indian Premier League, the world’s richest cricket league, lived up to its billing once again. As the IPL bandwagon moved to the UAE in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases in India for its 13th edition, the teams have started arriving in the UAE.

The ultra-rich owners of the franchises splashed out huge cash to accommodate their teams in the most lavish and expensive properties of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Be it affluent corporates like Ambanis, Kundras, and Jindals or the Bollywood glitterati like Shahrukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty, who bring glamour to the league, each have shown their generous side.

There is an undercurrent, which gives an insight into an unsaid but fierce race where everyone wants to score against the other in pampering their franchises with a generous display of the wealth that they have at their disposal. No one is leaving any stone unturned to give the teams best possible amenities to keep the players motivated and rejuvenated in the time of the pandemic, which has hampered the entire world.

These billionaire owners booked their teams in the exquisite five and seven-star hotels and resorts of the country.

The average cost of a room in these properties may vary from Dhs1,500 to Dhs4,000 per night. With an entourage of 2,000 people, coming with the IPL caravan, even if two people share one room, almost 1,000 rooms will be needed for over a period of 50 days.

If a median cost of a room is assumed to be around Dhs2,200 approximately, then 1000 rooms for 50 days will boil down to hundreds of millions of dirhams. Defending champions Mumbai Indians, owned by Tina Ambani, wife of india’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, have opted to stay at the Abu Dhabi St Regis.

The property is owned by Marriott Group, who are the co-sponsors of the Mumbai Indians this year as well.

The St Regis Abu Dhabi is the social epicentre for royalty and luminaries in the art of residential living at West Corniche. Whereas a David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad have decided to make the Ritz Carlton, Dubai their abode.

They will come on Aug.23. Designed to emulate the low-rise buildings of the Mediterranean, the luxury resort features sea-facing guest rooms and suites, a dedicated Club Lounge, a wealth of culinary experiences and leisure facilities.

At this Dubai resort, traditional Arabian hospitality creates an elevated guest experience. Shahrukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are putting up at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. The property is an escape to a world of Middle Eastern opulence.

From sunrises over Al Maqta Creek to sunsets that illuminate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, every moment reawakens the senses.

The resort features eight restaurants, five-star accommodation, a holistic spa and 23,000 sq ft of event space. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are staying at Waldorf Astoria, Dubai. It is property that can rightly be called luxury redefined.

The beachfront hotel boasts of a luxurious spa, access to the private beach and chain of restaurants that offers world- class cuisines.Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s South African trio arrived in Dubai to join the rest of the team ahead of the 13th Indian Premier League.

AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris joined their RCB teammates on Saturday. They will also have to serve a mandatory quarantine period of six days. The franchise shared the video of their arrival on their official Twitter handle.