Virat Kohli has added another feather to his sporting cap by joining the World Bowling League (WBL) as a Strategic Investor. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a spot in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, Kohli’s involvement with WBL signals a broader vision—this time to elevate the sport of bowling, both in India and globally.
Kohli’s entry into the world of bowling isn’t just symbolic; it’s deeply personal. At the WBL launch event, the cricketing superstar revealed his early connection with the sport.
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“I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12. It’s a popular sport, but underappreciated as a business prospect,” he shared. His passion, combined with his global influence, could bring a significant shift in how bowling is perceived and consumed, especially in cricket-dominated countries.
After a great partnership with @adikmishra in E1 Team Blue Rising, excited to team up again in the World Bowling League!
With @Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts and others, we’re redefining a sport loved by 100M+ people, leveraging @fsp_io’s technology to engage millions of fans.… pic.twitter.com/mQAqv1SjJs— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 28, 2025
Adi K. Mishra, the Founder and CEO of the WBL, expressed excitement over Kohli’s involvement. According to Mishra, elite-level bowling is more than a casual sport—it’s a technical battlefield involving complex lane topographies, thousands of 3D-printed oil patterns, and precision-engineered bowling balls. He emphasised that Kohli’s drive and futuristic vision for sport made him the perfect fit for this evolving venture.
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“Bowling has been a sleeping giant,” Adi K. Mishra noted. “Discovering Virat’s love for bowling and aligning with his relentless passion for sport was a natural fit. Together, we aim to bring this sport to the forefront.”
As Kohli extends his sporting legacy beyond cricket, his partnership with WBL may spark a new wave of interest and development in a sport poised for transformation.
