The Indian Premier League (IPL) has already solidified its status as one of the most widely followed and lucrative sports leagues globally. Having made a significant impact in the Indian and South East Asian regions, the IPL is now expanding its influence into Europe. In a recent development, IPL franchise Delhi Capitals has expressed a keen interest in acquiring a stake in the English county team Hampshire.
According to a report from England’s renowned newspaper, The Telegraph, the GMR Group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, have engaged in discussions with Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove regarding the potential acquisition and sale of shares. Bransgrove presently holds a majority stake in Hampshire. The report indicates that “The majority shareholders of Hampshire County Cricket Club are in talks to sell their stake to the co-owners of the Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals.”
If the deal comes to fruition, it would mark a historic moment, making Hampshire the first English county team to be owned by a foreign franchise. Beyond the conventional benefits, this move signifies a strategic decision for an IPL franchise seeking to establish a presence in England. The report suggests that the agreement could prove fruitful, especially considering the rising popularity of ‘The Hundred,’ a franchise-based 100-ball tournament in England.
Recent developments reveal that the England and Wales Cricket Board is exploring the possibility of offering a 50 percent stake in several ‘The Hundred’ teams, providing host counties with the opportunity to sell their shares. Notably, Bransgrove relinquished his position as chairman last year after overseeing the club for almost two decades (23 years), but retained a 60 percent stake in Hampshire.
It’s worth noting that Hampshire had previously collaborated with Rajasthan Royals, an IPL franchise, from 2010 to 2013, during which their T20 team was known as Hampshire Royals. The GMR Group, which owns a 50 percent stake in Delhi Capitals in the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL), is also affiliated with Dubai Capitals in the UAE ILT20 and holds shares in the USA Major League Cricket team Seattle Orcas.
