Anil Kumble quits RCB, joins Mumbai

New Delhi: In an unexpected move just ahead of the sixth edition of Indian Premier League, Anil Kumble was appointed the chief mentor of Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday.

Kumble, who was associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a player and later as a mentor for five years made this decision to take up a new assignment.

"Mumbai Indians is a very competitive team in the IPL with high-profile players and committed owners. It's my honour to join the Mumbai Indians as chief mentor and to align our joint interest in making sports as an important agenda in youth development. I look forward to the new assignment," Kumble said.

Kumble was associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore as a player and later as a mentor for five years.

"I have had an enjoyable association with RCB, as player, captain and mentor. During this period we have achieved most of our objectives and RCB has emerged as one of the leading franchises in the IPL.

"I leave with happy memories. I am thankful to Dr. Vijay Mallya for offering me the role of chief mentor, a position that allowed me to observe the challenges of being a franchise owner from close quarters and develop a nuanced perspective of the commercial elements of sport," he also said.

The RCB franchise owner, Mallya praised the former India captain's contribution to the team. "Anil has been a great asset to RCB as captain, chief mentor and advisor. He has helped shape the entire team and was instrumental in creating a unique sense of passion and commitment."

While, MI's owner Nita Ambani expressed satisfaction with Kumble joining as chief mentor and feels his experience and knowledge of the game will help her team.

"In Anil Kumble, we have a new chief mentor who has extensive cricketing knowledge not only as a player of international stature but also as an able administrator. He is one of India's leading sporting icons and we have great pleasure in having him on board."

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