Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan cricket icon Muttiah Muralitharan has announced plans to invest ₹1,400 crore in Karnataka’s food and beverage sector, signaling his entry into a new domain of business ventures in India. Renowned for holding the world record in both Test and ODI cricket for the highest number of wickets, Muralitharan intends to establish a significant manufacturing facility for beverages and confectionery in Badanakuppe, Chamarajanagara district in Karnataka state.
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The initiative, under the banner “Muttiah Beverages and Confectioneries,” was unveiled following discussions between Muralitharan and Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil. This project is anticipated to bolster the local economy by creating job opportunities and infrastructural development. According to a statement from the minister’s office, the investment commitment from Muralitharan totals ₹1,400 crores for the beverage and confectionery venture in Badanakuppe, as confirmed by Minister MB Patil. Discussions culminated in this decision, emphasizing the potential benefits for the region.
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Initially slated for a ₹230 crore investment, Muralitharan’s project has since been revised to ₹1,000 crore, with plans for further escalation to ₹1,400 crore in the coming years. Additionally, Minister Patil affirmed that preliminary land issues have been addressed, assuring a smooth operational launch by January 2025. He also revealed Muralitharan’s long-term strategy, including the establishment of an additional unit in Dharwad district in the months. Patil disclosed that 46 acres have already been allocated for the initial project phase, with manufacturing set to commence early next year. Additionally, efforts are underway to resolve any remaining land allocation concerns. The minister underscored Muralitharan’s expansion plans and the presence of key officials at the announcement, including department heads and industry executives.
Muralitharan, a distinguished figure in the cricketing world, boasts a remarkable career as a player and coach. With an average of over six wickets per Test match, he is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest cricketers in history. He remains the sole bowler to have secured 800 Test wickets and more than 530 in ODIs, surpassing all others in international cricket wickets as of 2024. Notably, he was a pivotal member of Sri Lanka’s triumphant 1996 Cricket World Cup team and dominated the ICC Test bowler rankings for an unprecedented 1,711 days across 214 Test matches.
Despite his retirement from professional cricket, Muralitharan, now 52, continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport as the bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL). His coaching has notably propelled the team to league finals, showcasing his enduring influence in the cricketing arena. For Muralitharan, venturing into beverages and confectioneries marks a significant diversification beyond his cricketing legacy. His choice of Karnataka as the launchpad for these ventures underscores the state’s business-friendly policies and abundant natural resources conducive to food processing industry.
