Second Hollywood actor buys into CPL franchise

KINGSTON, Jamaica,  CMC-A second Hollywood actor, Gerard Butler, has taken an equity interest in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Franchise, Jamaica Tallawahs, as the tournament heads for a climax this weekend.

Butler, who stars in a number of top movies such as Law Abiding Citizen and  The Ugly Truth, is also planning to be in Trinidad on Friday to support the Tallawahs when they play Barbados Tridents in the second semi-final.

“It is obvious that this tournament is the home of the greatest party in sport so I wanted to get in on the fun,” said Butler.

“Having said that, as a Scotsman I definitely have an appreciation for cricket and I also recognise that the LCPL is a great combination of sports and entertainment.  I’m excited about joining the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise, and hopefully being a part of the team that wins the inaugural tournament.”

Tallawahs squeezed out a last ball, three wickets in over Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the final preliminary game at Sabina Park Sunday night.

They ended the League with 10 points, equal with top ranked Guyana Amazon Warriors who had a better net run rate.

“We are thrilled that Gerard has seen the enormous potential of the Limacol CPL and has taken an equity interest in the Jamaica Tallawahs,” said Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe.

“I think more people are realising its global appeal, and how it is an experience like no other”.

Last month organizers announced that Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, known for his starring roles in films such as “Boogie Nights” and “Planet of the Apes”, had taken an equity interest in the Barbados Tridents team.

Butler’s next movie, How To Train Your Dragon 2, comes out in 2014.

“Celebrities owning sports teams is nothing new but to have two Hollywood actors taking a vested interest in cricket teams is quite novel,” said Ajmal Khan, Chairman of Verus International and Founder of the Limacol CPL,

“I think it’s a testament to the quality of the tournament, the carnival party atmosphere, the music, the entertainment, the fans, and the experience that only the Caribbean can deliver”.
The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League began on 30 July in Barbados, and concludes on Saturday in Trinidad.