'He came to me and said'— Kavya Maran explains how she involved with SRH and IPL

Kavya Kalanithi Maran, famously known as Kavya Maran, in a recent interview said about multiple aspects of cricket and her views on the game. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is known for their power-packed batting order and a die heart fan base.

By that time, Kavya had become one of the popular franchise owners of the Indian Premier League. How did she start the journey in the cash-rich league? Kavya answered swiftly. Sunrisers Hyderabad is owned by the Kalanithi Maran-led Sun Group. Kavya has been involved with the franchise since 2013. It was Kalanithi Maran himself who asked Kavya to join the franchise. She was only 21 years old and just out of college when Kalanithi Maran bought the team.

“He came to me and said, ‘You understand this audience better; you love cricket,’” she said. "My mother and my grandfather [were into cricket]… So cricket just playing on television 24/7 was a part and parcel of life growing up. So, my involvement started quite organically."

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Kavya has to look multiple franchises 

Not only Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kavya has to look after multiple franchises, and all are cricket teams. So, her knowledge of cricket is beyond question. Northern Superchargers in The Hundred (UK-based league) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 League (South Africa-based league) are also owned by Kavya Maran. She understands how a good scouting prospect can help an entire cricket community. 

"For instance, The Hundred is a very short format. In SA20, their cultural upbringing is very different... So now, if I have found a talent when I go to the U.K., I'll bring him to the IPL, or I'll take him to SA20. Overall, it benefits international cricket... So, I think what is happening is amazing, and the future of cricket is only booming. Franchise cricket is playing a big role in it", she said.