CPL founder Khan dies of heart attack

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Canadian billionaire and founder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Ajmal Hasan Khan died this past week in Dubai. He was 60.

Media reports indicated that he died from a suspected heart attack after a workout at a popular five-star hotel resort on The Palm Jumeirah, where he was staying alone at the time.

“Ajmal had just finished a workout at the hotel gym when he complained of uneasiness to a hotel staff member and collapsed shortly afterwards,” family friend, Nadeem Khan told the Khaleej Times.

“The family is in touch with local authorities to repatriate his body to Canada. This is a huge and unexpected loss, and we are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.”

The eldest of three brothers, Khan was the founder and president of the Verus Group of Companies, and he gained significant recognition for founding and bank rolling the CPL in 2013.

Born in Nigeria to parents of Indian descent, Khan initially lived in England before acquiring Canadian citizenship – but he predominantly resided in Barbados, where he had various business interests.

The CPL, a franchise-based T20 format tournament, combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere – and it is one of the most watched leagues in the sport.

The 2024 tournament will take place from August 29 to October 6 – and Guyana Amazon Warriors are the current champions.

The other franchise teams in the tournament are Barbados Royals, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders, and the newly formed Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.