Dilli Dillwale, the Delhi franchise of the ongoing inaugural season of World Pickleball League (WPL), has announced that cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and his son Rohan have joined as co-owners.
Their involvement brings expertise, leadership, and a legacy of sportsmanship to the flourishing sport of pickleball.
Per an official release, Dilli Dillwale features a lineup of eight athletes from around the globe, with a collective tally of 60 gold medals in international competitions. The team’s roster includes players from the United States, Taiwan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, India, and Japan, making it a truly global powerhouse in the fast-growing pickleball arena.
Sunil Gavaskar shared, “Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey with Dilli Dillwale. The team embodies the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and global unity – values that resonate deeply with me. I am looking forward to the team adding to the 60 medals they already have in what promises to be a truly rip-roaring tournament.”
With the Gavaskars on board, Dilli Dillwale aims to enhance the profile of pickleball both in India and on the international stage. Sunil Gavaskar’s legendary stature in cricket, combined with his enduring passion for sports, is expected to inspire and energize the team as they gear up for an electrifying season in the WPL.
Ankiti Bose, founding partner at Terra-Invest, team owners of Dilli Dillwale expressed: “Having the Gavaskars join our team as co-owners is a momentous occasion for Smashers and Dilli Dillwale. Their presence adds incredible value, vision, and sports legacy that will help us achieve new heights in the World Pickleball League and grow the sport across India.”
Gaurav Natekar, co-founder and CEO, The World Pickleball League said: “We are honored to welcome Sunil Gavaskar and Rohan Gavaskar to the WPBL family as co-owners of the Dilli Dillwale. Our families go back a long way, and Mr Sunil Gavaskar is a true-blue legend of Indian sport. His legendary status adds immense credibility and stature to the World Pickleball League, and his co-ownership underscores the value, potential, and promise of the league.”
The World Pickleball League is rapidly gaining popularity across international markets, uniting the best players in the world to compete at the highest level. Combining skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, the league is a thrilling showcase of the sport’s global appeal.
Other notable team owners in the league include Samantha Ruth Prabhu, film director Atlee, Riteish Deshmukh, and Swiggy founder Sriharsha Majety.
