Preity Zinta buys team in South Africa's T20 league

Bollywood actress and IPL Kings XI Punjab team co-owner Preity Zinta has been confirmed as the owner of the Stellenbosch franchise team in the South African T20 Global League.

Preity became the co-owner of the Kings Punjab XI in 2008 and at that stage was the only woman owner of an IPL team.

In the T20GL, it’s a similar situation as she looks to turn the Paarl-based franchise into a winner.

"I would like to compliment and thank Haroon Lorgat from Cricket South Africa for his unrelenting persistence, passion & belief in the T20 Global league which inspired me to come on board," said Preity.

"I firmly believe that this is the most exciting time for young South African cricketing talent. This league will give them an opportunity to take the leap from becoming the best in the country to becoming the best in the world.

"I hope the people of the winelands area of South Africa have an unrivalled fan experience during this tournament and believe together we will make our team and stadium something very special," explained the Bollywood actress.

Protea Marquee player for the Stellenbosch franchise, Faf du Plessis, expressed delight at learning about Zinta being his new team owner.

"I’m very excited to see that Preity Zinta has come on board. I have heard from my team mates that she is very good to work with, so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing how she impacts our team space. She is also very passionate about the sport and I am sure local fans will have an awesome time at Boland Park," commented Du Plessis.

Preity is expected to visit South Africa next week.