Above: Mark Wahlberg

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Actor Mark Wahlberg has taken an equity interest in the Barbados Tridents of the new Caribbean Premier League.

The Tridents are part of the upstart cricket league, which pits six Caribbean sides against each other in a regional tournament.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League because I know cricket is huge in the Caribbean and a rich part of the region’s heritage,” Wahlberg said in a statement.  “Sports and entertainment are a powerful combination, and the LCPL will appeal to a huge audience worldwide.”

The actor said he was first introduced to Barbados and the new Limacol Caribbean Premier League through his friend, Ajmal Khan.

“I am a huge cricket fan now,” he said.

Khan is the chairman of Verus International and founder of the LPCL.

“Having Mark involved with the Limacol CPL is quite a coup for us.  He brings a global celebrity appeal, which adds to the party atmosphere, and anticipation that is already building in these final days before the tournament begins,” Khan said. “Having him as an ambassador of the greatest party in sport will indeed draw the attention of current and new cricket fans across the world, and we look forward to embracing a whole new generation of cricket fans in the US thanks to Mark.”

Limacol CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe said the league was “thrilled” that Wahlberg had taken an equity interest in the team.

“He is keen to promote the tournament in any way possible, and his fame and influence will definitely raise the profile of the tournament, and bring awareness of the game to an audience that traditionally has no connection with cricket,” he said. “We’re excited to see the many ways in which this partnership will benefit both Mark and the LCPL.”

The LCPL held its first match on Tuesday, when St Lucia’s Zouks faced off against Barbados.

The tournament concludes on Aug. 24 in Trinidad.