Debasis Sen, Johannesburg: Few members of the Indian cricket team went to the Mabula Game Lodge on Friday. The Indian cricketers were enjoying a three day break from cricket following their 0-2 test series loss against the hosts. But what may spark controversy is the Mabula Lodge is owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya. The Mabula Game Lodge, located two hours North of Johannesburg is spread over 12,000 hectares. Mabula is South Africa’s finest private game reserves. Mallya paid $6 million for the 25,000 acre game reserve and is located in a scenic natural setting. The lodge accommodates 47 rooms including 3 suites and is home to several animals and birds.
The Indian cricketers left the Inter Continental Hotel at 10am yesterday and reached Mabula around 1pm. The media obviously were not allowed entry at the reserves.
This wasn’t the first time that the cricketers visited the Mabula Game Lodge. Earlier, in 2009 during the IPL season 2 the entire Royal Challengers Bangalore team visited the Mabula Lodge. Incidentally, the current Indian captain Virat Kohli has been part of the RCB franchise from the start of IPL.
The Indian captain hosted the liquor-baron at a charity dinner during the ICC Champions Trophy in London this year in June. The charity dinner was organised by Virat Kohli Foundation.
Mallya also watched the India’s match against Pakistan during the tournament at the Edgbaston. He has currently taken refuge in England.
The Indian government is trying for Mallya’s extradition from UK for alleged unpaid debts to the tune of Rs 9000 crore.
This is not the only property that Mallya owns here in South Africa. The fugitive businessman also owns the luxurious Clifton Estate at the Nettleton Road in Johannesburg. He bought the estate for a whopping $8.4 million which has a breathtaking view of Clifton beach and is well-equipped with gym, garage space for four cars and a sauna. Over the years the house has been shelter for celebrities like George Michael, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. In 2009, Nicholas Cage also stayed there during the shoot of ‘Lord of War’.