Cricket

Following the recent acquisition of India Cements' promoters stake by UltraTech Cement, it has been clarified that the transaction will not impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL was established in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), a separate company. Former CSK captain M.S. Dhoni serves as one of India Cements' vice presidents.According to the company's 2023 annual report, former BCCI president N. Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements) and his family are the promoters of CSKCL, holding a 28.14% stake. They will continue to own the five-time IPL champion.Apart from CSK, India Cements has been actively involved in promoting cricket in Chennai through its support of various clubs in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league across divisions. The company employs numerous former first-class and international cricketers. It also operates three teams in the top-flight First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).Sources indicate that most of the cricketers employed by India Cements have been transferred to CSKCL and will not be affected by the acquisition. "The sporting activity of India Cements will not be affected, and the club activities across various divisions will continue without any change. The former cricketers who are employed have already been moved to CSK and will be taken care of," said a highly placed source.With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK for another season.

India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant move by returning to the India Cements group, where he will play a multifaceted role in Superking Ventures, a subsidiary of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 37-year-old, who previously played for CSK from 2008 to 2015, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the cricketing fraternity and nurture young talents.Ashwin's return to India Cements marks a homecoming of sorts, as he began his cricketing journey with the organization. K.S. Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings Ltd., hailed Ashwin's return, emphasizing his exceptional cricketing abilities and commitment to the game. Viswanathan highlighted Ashwin's role in guiding the CSK High-Performance Centre and Super Kings academies, where he will share his vast experience and expertise with aspiring cricketers.The CSK High-Performance Centre, located in Navalur on the outskirts of Chennai, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a comprehensive training environment for young players. Ashwin's involvement in the centre is expected to enhance its capabilities and foster a culture of excellence. The centre's ground is ready for use, and other infrastructure is under construction. CSK even held a practice session at the venue during the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it will also host TNCA first-division matches this year.While Ashwin's return to India Cements has sparked speculation about his potential return to the CSK playing XI, the path to a reunion is not straightforward. The IPL is set to undergo a mega auction in 2025, with retentions and no trade window before that. However, Ashwin remains eligible to play for the India Cements teams in the first division (2024-25) that starts on Thursday, although he is unlikely to feature in the first few rounds.Ashwin's return to India Cements is a testament to his enduring passion for cricket and his desire to give back to the game. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the organization and the young cricketers under its wing.