MUMBAI: After buying a stake of the Chennaiyin FC team, the captain of the Indian cricket team, MS Dhoni, has now become the owner of the Ranchi team for the Hockey India League along with Sahara India Pariwar.

The new franchisee has been named Ranchi Rays.

Hero Hockey India League chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said, “This is a great moment for HIL to have MS Dhoni on board as a franchisee owner of the world’s most prominent hockey league along with Sahara India Pariwar. This initiative showcases the faith that they have in Hero HIL and I am happy by the kind of support that the league is garnering from all quarters”

Dhoni, commenting on purchasing the stake, stated that he was happy to own the franchise as he was always interested to do something for the region and wanted to see hockey being uplifted from the grassroot level. “I have got this franchisee with the support of Sahara India Pariwar, one of the prime promoter and patron of sport’s in India.” he added.

Sahara India Pariwar head corporate relations and Sahara Adventure Sports director Abhijit Sarkar said “Hockey is our national game and we are proud to be associated with Ranchi franchisee and are elated to continue our patronage and support for the game. We will achieve greater laurels and success in the sport of hockey in the coming years and Sahara India Pariwar is committed to the development of sport at all levels.”

Rhiti Sports CMD Arun Pandey added, “MS Dhoni has supported every sport and hockey is another sport which is close to Mahi’s heart. When this opportunity came, Mahi quickly accepted it as he always wanted to do something for his state and country.”

It can be noted that Sahara India Pariwar already owns the Lucknow team in the league and now will co-own the Ranchi team from this edition of the HIL.