LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka : In a significant move that reinforces the growing influence of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in global cricket, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG Group) has acquired a substantial stake in the Manchester Originals, a franchise in England’s The Hundred tournament. This acquisition, valued at approximately £116 million (Rs 1251 crore), makes LSG the second IPL franchise to secure a team in The Hundred, following Mumbai Indians’ acquisition of Oval Invincibles.
LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Expands Global Cricket Empire with Rs 1251 Crore Manchester Originals Deal
Manchester Originals to Manchester Super Giants?
RPSG Group, which already owns Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL and Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 League, has now taken a significant step into English cricket. The deal ensures that RPSG will hold a minimum of 49% stake in the Manchester Originals, while the remaining 51% is retained by Lancashire Cricket Club. However, Lancashire has indicated that they are open to selling additional shares, meaning RPSG’s investment could increase beyond the initial Rs 650 crore.
Why Lancashire Chose RPSG?
Lancashire Cricket Club had been actively seeking a strong financial partner to secure the long-term future of Manchester Originals. RPSG emerged as the preferred bidder, bringing not just financial backing but also extensive cricketing expertise from its IPL and SA20 ventures.
A statement from Lancashire reflected their optimism about the partnership: “We have been very focused on securing a great partner – ideally from the IPL – and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time. We are delighted by the outcome and look forward to working together to create an exciting future.”
What This Means for The Hundred
The sale of franchise stakes in The Hundred marks a strategic shift by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), allowing private investment in the tournament. RPSG’s investment signals a new era where IPL teams extend their dominance beyond India, reshaping the global T20 ecosystem.
For Manchester Originals, this deal is expected to bring in stronger financial stability, better infrastructure, and a potential rebranding aligned with RPSG’s existing Super Giants brand.
Sanjiv Goenka’s Expanding Cricket Portfolio
RPSG Group has been aggressively expanding its cricket portfolio. After acquiring LSG for Rs 7,090 crore in 2021, they bought Durban’s Super Giants in 2022. The latest Manchester Originals deal cements their position as a key player in global franchise cricket.
With this investment, the question arises: Will the Manchester Originals soon be rebranded as the Manchester Super Giants? If history is any indicator, a brand transformation could be on the horizon.
As the exclusivity period progresses over the next eight weeks, all eyes will be on the finalization of this deal and the strategic moves RPSG makes to elevate Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
