Gerard Butler takes equity interest in CPL team Jamaica Tallawahs

http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/Gerard-Butler-takes-equity-interest-in-CPL-team-Jamaica-Tallawahs/30113

Gerard Butler takes equity interest in CPL team Jamaica Tallawahs

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 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 on Monday.

"Having said that, as a Scotsman I definitely have an appreciation for cricket and I also recognise that the CPL 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-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the final preliminary game at Sabina Park on 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 CPL and has taken an equity interest in the Jamaica Tallawahs," said 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, organisers 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.

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League began July 30 in Barbados, and concludes Saturday in Trinidad.
First Published: August 20, 2013, 2:41 pm

http://www.caribjournal.com/2013/08/19/actor-gerard-butler-takes-equity-stake-in-jamaican-cricket-team/

Actor Gerard Butler Takes Equity Stake in Jamaican Cricket Team


Scottish actor Gerard Butler has joined Mark Wahblerg in buying a stake in Caribbean cricket.

Butler has taken an equity interest in the Jamaica Tallawahs team in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, a few weeks after Wahlberg purchased a stake in the Barbados Tridents, the league announced.

“My good friend Ajmal Khan has been telling me about the Limacol CPL and I’ve had the opportunity to watch some of the matche — It is obvious that this tournament is the home of the greatest party in sport so I wanted to get in on the fun,” he said. “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.”

Khan, the chairman of Verus International and the founder of the Limacol CPL, said that the decision of two Hollywood actors buying stakes in the league was “quite novel.”

“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,” he said. “We’re just a few days away from the semi-finals and final but the interest in, and desire to be a part of the Limacol CPL is still there because the tournament just keeps getting better with every game that’s played.”

Butler’s next film, How To Train Your Dragon 2, premieres next year.

He said he hoped to be supporting the team at the semi-final and final, which will take place in Trinidad on Aug. 24.

The use of the phrase "equity interest" is interesting.
The same could be said of someone who owns one stock in a corporation.  Big whoop.  I wouldn't be surprised if they gave him an interest if he agreed to promote the league.  They seem to be trying to get publicity for it.
 
When I read "carnival party atmosphere" and his quote "It is obvious that this tournament is the home of the greatest party in sport so I wanted to get in on the fun" it all made sense to me --
Scantily clothed women, party scene, tropical island, free trip and no current acting job equals no brainer for Mr. Butler.....

Here's an audio interview with Gerry in Trinidad.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler on his involvement with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, I of II

https://audioboo.fm/boos/1562283-hollywood-actor-gerard-butler-on-his-involvement-with-the-limacol-caribbean-premier-league-i-of-ii?playlist_direction=reversed

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler on his involvement with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, II of II

https://audioboo.fm/boos/1562287-hollywood-actor-gerard-butler-on-his-involvement-with-the-limacol-caribbean-premier-league-ii-of-ii

Short audio interview at link:

Gerard Butler, the Hollywood actor, says he "has had the best few days of my life" cheering the Jamaica Tallawahs to victory in the final of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League

https://audioboo.fm/boos/1564598-gerard-butler-the-hollywood-actor-says-he-has-had-the-best-few-days-of-my-life-cheering-the-jamaica-tallawahs-to-victory-in-the-final-of-the-limacol-caribbean-premier-league