Lalit Modi, Indian Premier League chief, is second, followed by Vijay Mallya, owner of the Force India Formula One team, and Sharad Pawar, and International Cricket Council member, according to a report by Reuters. Mallya’s background is in the Kingfisher brewery, and Pawar’s is in the sugar industry.
Other businessmen on the list include Mukesh Ambani, head of the Reliance Industries conglomerate, N. Srinivasan head of India Cements, and Pawan Munjal, head of Hero Honda Motors.
“Perhaps five years ago, there would've been fewer businessmen on that list, but with the IPL and interest in other sports growing, we are seeing more of them step forward,” said Mahesh Ranka, general manager at sports marketing firm Relay Worldwide.
“It also provides a way for them to raise their profile, and at the end of the day, it is another business opportunity.”
