World Bowling League Set to Launch with Backing from Sports Icons

NEW DELHI: The World Bowling League (WBL), a bold new initiative supported by Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian cricket team, and Mookie Betts, a Major League Baseball superstar, is preparing to inaugurate its first season in the coming year.

According to Adi K. Mishra, the league’s founder and CEO, the WBL’s initial season will showcase six franchise teams competing in some of the globe’s most recognizable locations. The league seeks to transform bowling into a dynamic, globally appealing sport suitable for broadcasting.

Mishra stated during an online briefing from the United States, “Bowling is a fantastic sport that has lacked proper organization for many years, leading many to view it merely as a recreational activity.”

“Our objective is to revolutionize this perception by establishing a thrilling, modern league that incorporates celebrity team owners, singular venues, and state-of-the-art technology.”

The WBL will commence with six teams, each composed of four players—two men and two women.

While premier professional bowlers will headline the primary matches, celebrities such as Kohli and Betts are slated to participate in supplementary events, enhancing the league’s allure.

Bowling’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 70s when bowling alleys were a fixture in almost every neighborhood.

Despite its diminished status as a competitive sport, bowling continues to engage approximately 200 million enthusiasts worldwide, including about 75 million in the US alone.

Although past efforts to create a viable professional bowling tour have been made, Mishra contends that the WBL’s global perspective distinguishes it.

Plans are well underway to finalize franchises in countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India.

Mishra added, “Our vision is unique because we aim to elevate bowling to be both visually spectacular and highly desirable.”

“Envision establishing just a pair of lanes at iconic sites such as Hudson Yards in New York, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, or impressive locations in Dubai and India. That is the type of extraordinary experience we aspire to provide.”