Delhi Capitals – Hampshire Cricket : In a landmark move that signals the increasing globalisation of cricket, GMR Group, co owners of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, has acquired a majority stake in Hampshire Cricket. This historic acquisition makes Hampshire the first English county team to be owned by an overseas entity, marking a significant shift in the landscape of English cricket.
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GMR Group’s Global Cricket Expansion
GMR Group, an Indian infrastructure conglomerate with deep roots in cricket, has steadily expanded its influence across international cricket leagues. From owning teams in the IPL, WPL, and SA20 to franchises in the UAE’s ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, GMR’s acquisition of Hampshire is yet another major step in its mission to dominate global cricket.
The phased acquisition, which begins with GMR taking a 53% stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd (the parent company of Hampshire Cricket), also includes the historic Utilita Bowl stadium in Southampton. This ownership transition is set to be completed over the next two years, a move that could reshape the future of English county cricket.
Hampshire’s New Era Under Indian Ownership
For Hampshire Cricket, this deal is seen as an opportunity to build on its legacy. Chairman Rod Bransgrove, who has overseen the club since 2000, expressed optimism about GMR’s involvement, stating that the partnership will “open exciting new opportunities” as Hampshire embraces cricket’s globalisation.
With GMR’s financial backing, Hampshire is set to enhance its cricketing infrastructure and operations. Bransgrove, who will continue as chairman until at least 2026, believes this move will benefit the club’s long term ambitions, including hosting its first ever Ashes Test in 2027.
While GMR now controls Hampshire Cricket, the deal does not automatically include the Southern Brave, the franchise based at the Utilita Bowl and part of The Hundred tournament. However, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) considering selling equity stakes in the eight Hundred franchises, GMR could potentially acquire a share in Southern Brave, aligning its interests across both county and franchise cricket in England.
A New Trend in English Cricket Ownership
The GMR acquisition is being hailed as a watershed moment in English cricket. It highlights the increasing interest of Indian business giants in global cricket markets. GMR’s investment in Hampshire could serve as a catalyst for more overseas acquisitions in English county cricket, transforming how the sport operates in the UK.
Rod Bransgrove believes this will not be the last such acquisition, forecasting that other counties may follow Hampshire’s lead. With traditionalists often resistant to change, Bransgrove’s pragmatic view sees this development as a natural evolution, one that will ultimately drive the value and global reach of English cricket.
The ECB has welcomed GMR’s investment as a sign of cricket’s growing international appeal. Richard Gould, ECB’s Chief Executive, sees this as part of a larger trend where cricket is becoming increasingly interconnected, with players, teams, and now ownership structures crossing borders. As cricket continues to globalise, collaborations between Indian IPL franchises and English county teams are likely to become more common, reshaping the sport’s competitive dynamics.
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FAQs
What is the GMR Group?
GMR Group is an Indian infrastructure conglomerate that co owns the IPL team Delhi Capitals and has expanded its presence in global cricket leagues
