MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan is all about sports, off late. Why else would he choose to become brand ambassador of ‘Toyota University Cricket Championship’, in Mumbai?
We caught up with the witty, charming and positively adorable superstar at the launch of the first ever ‘Toyota University Cricket Championship’ in Mumbai yesterday. Clad in a black three piece suit with macho sunglasses, Shah Rukh Khan spieled on all things related to sport and cricket in particular. This was a natural fit, considering Shah Rukh Khan owns an IPL team, and has worked on promoting hockey in the country as well, with ‘Chak De India!’.
The aim of the initiative is to revive university cricket in India, which had seen a mass following during the 1960’s and 70’s. Eight teams from four zones will play in a T20 format for the title of being the best university in cricket. And the added bonus is Shah Rukh Khan’s enthusiasm and support for this format, which will aim at promoting talent at the grass-root level.
Shah Rukh, the uber fit sportsman and actor extraordinaire said that he was very pleased with the initiative and he was glad to be associated with it. “Whatever I am today, it is because of what I learnt at that level – school and universities.” The ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ superstar further added, “Sports can be a salaried job. I would like to be a brand ambassador for any sport.”
Shah Rukh was joined on stage by NDTV Executive Co-Chairperson Dr Prannoy Roy, who promised that this would be a world-class tournament. “Great camera-work, excellent graphics and all other factors will make this tournament truly world-class,” he said.
Appreciation even came in from Minister of State Shashi Tharoor and HRD Minister Pallam Raju, who also spoke on the importance of such a tournament. Shashi Tharoor said, “I hope this (University Cricket Championship) spreads to other sports as well.” The tournament kicks off next month.
