Sahar supremo Subrato Roy is happy that IPL has increased player cap

Many say $370 million is ridiculous for an IPL team.
People have a misconception. When the IPL started in 2008, $100m was thought to be very high. Now the valuation has gone up by more than three times. It is attracting the highest eyeballs compared to any sporting event in the world. The value of the IPL will go on increasing. It was a conscious and calculated business decision. Our valuation is perfect.

How do you plan to invest and recover?
If the cash flow is not possible, we can go for an IPO. Many banks have expressed interest to join our franchise. They have even expressed interest to fund the entire money.
Many clubs from UK and many companies in India want to join us. We can go for an IPO within two years or so. It is a fantastic investment. After 10 years, you don’t have to pay anything. You only enjoy the returns.

You have evinced interest in Sachin Tendulkar?
I have tremendous regards for Sachin. Who the hell on the earth wouldn’t want him. But that doesn’t mean that I’m asking Sachin to come and join my team. I was misquoted.
The existing IPL teams could be allowed to retain some players which means all the players will not be available for auction.
We should not use the word auction for human beings. I understand about three players could be retained by the existing sides. The rest will be available for purchase. I’m comfortable with that. A rule is rule.

The IPL has increased the player cap?
I was asked about it and I said the player cap should go up. I’m happy that the IPL has increased the player cap. The players surely deserve more.

Have you thought about the name of your team?
We have not decided. I have asked my senior colleagues to brainstorm on this.

Will your friend Amitabh Bachchan be part of your team?
See, I don’t deny glamour should be part of sports but we have not decided on these issues at all. Amitji is so loaded that we advise him to shed off some load. How can he be further loaded? I was misquoted on this matter.

Why did you choose Pune?
The city is beautiful, with excellent infrastructure and a world class stadium. Its proximity to Mumbai and Aamby Valley City, which is now well connected not only by road but also by air from Mumbai. It has air connectivity with most of the IPL centres.

Your association with BCCI and sponsorship of Indian team?
We have not decided on anything. We will sit on that and will let you know. At this, moment I cannot comment on this.

What about your sponsorship with other sports?
It will continue. The IPL team is independent of our commitment to other sports. We will continue to extend our support to other Indian sports.