The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to sell The Hundred teams to boost elite world sport and generate financial support, aiming to elevate the competition to the next level.
In the past two weeks, the ECB has finalized exclusivity agreements for selling The Hundred teams, with four IPL franchise owners among the buyers. This sale is set to generate nearly a billion GBP, with a significant portion dedicated to the growth and development of English cricket.
Four IPL teams: Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals—have invested in The Hundred franchises, marking a significant expansion of IPL ownership into English cricket.
Mumbai Indians in The Hundred:
MI Oval: Mumbai Indians have acquired a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, the most successful team in The Hundred. Oval Invincibles have won four titles across the men’s and women’s competitions.
Sunrisers Hyderbad in The Hundred
Sunrisers Northern: Sun Network has acquired a 100% stake in Northern Superchargers for around £100 million. This deal will help Yorkshire, the host county of the Northern Superchargers, pay off a £15 million debt.
Lucknow super giants in The Hundred
Manchester Supergiants: RPSG Group has acquired a 49% stake in Manchester Originals for around £100 million.
Delhi Capitals in The Hunderd
Southeren Captails: Delhi Capitals’ co-owner, GMR Group, has acquired a 49% stake in the Southern Brave team for approximately £40 million (around INR ₹420 crores.
Welsh Fire: Washington Freedom, which already owns a team in Major League Cricket (MLC), has acquired a 49% stake in Welsh Fire for approximately £65 million (around ₹682 crore).
Birmingham Phoenix: Knighthead Capital Management has acquired a 49% stake in Birmingham Phoenix for approximately £40 million (around INR ₹420 crore)
London Spirit: Cricket Investor Holdings Limited has acquired a 49% stake in London Spirit for £145 million, valuing the franchise at approximately £300 million.
Trent Rockets: The co-owner of Chelsea FC, through Cain International, has invested £39 million for a 49% stake in Trent Rockets, valuing the team at £80 million.
The Hundred Team’s Total Sales around £900 Million
Earlier, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson stated that he did not want IPL teams to take over The Hundred franchises. However, four IPL team owners now hold shares, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking it a step further by acquiring 100% ownership of Northern Superchargers. Regardless, the ECB stands to benefit financially from these deals.
