Mumbai: Lancer Capital, a financial institution serving the blockchain industry, has made its first foray into cricket by acquiring a franchise in the UAE League.

Lancer Capital, headed by English football club Manchester United's co-chairman Avram Glazer, has investments in a variety of best-in-class assets. He is also the owner of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said the statement.

Welcoming Lancer Capital on board, UAE T20 League chairman and Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said, “To have a partner who has invested into sports properties with a long term investment perspective is a testament to the strength of the UAE T20 League’s business model and its value proposition to its stakeholders and an ode to the UAE as the destination of choice for global sports events."

“I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation," stated Lancer Capital LLC chairman Avram Glazer. "UAE T20 promises to be a world-class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates.”

“We are extremely pleased that a legendary sports owner like Avie Glazer has chosen to partner with the UAE T20 League," said Emirates Cricket Board general-secretary Mubashshir Usmani. “Our partnership with Lancer Capital will enable us to combine fans of the two widely followed sports – football and cricket – in a never done before manner.”