Hampshire Cricket Secures Groundbreaking £120m Takeover by IPL Group
Hampshire Cricket has confirmed a monumental deal worth £120 million with IPL co-owners, the GMR Group. This landmark agreement marks a new era for the club, as the GMR Group—co-owners of the Delhi Capitals IPL team—finalizes its acquisition of Hampshire after nearly a year of negotiations.
GMR Group: New Owners of Hampshire
The GMR Group, a global business with interests in airports, motorways, and power stations, is expanding its cricket investment portfolio. Having already invested in the Delhi Capitals, Dubai Capitals, Pretoria Capitals, and Seattle Orcas, the group will now acquire a majority stake in Hampshire. Over the next two years, GMR plans to transition into 100% ownership of the club and its associated assets, including the Utilita Bowl stadium, hotel, and golf course.
Bransgrove to Oversee Transition
Rod Bransgrove, the current Hampshire chairman, will remain in his role for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition under the new ownership. The money raised from this deal will be used to reduce the club’s debt and invest in infrastructure improvements, particularly ahead of hosting an Ashes Test in 2027.
Bransgrove described the deal as “groundbreaking” and believes other counties will follow suit by seeking offshore investors to secure financial stability and growth. “For English county cricket, this is groundbreaking. We will not be the last to be owned offshore,” said Bransgrove.
Embracing Globalisation in Cricket
Bransgrove emphasized the importance of globalising the game, citing India’s powerful influence on cricket’s commercial landscape. He believes that aligning with international business and cricket groups will help secure the future of county cricket. “I think other counties will follow suit. It is just an inevitable change in the commercialisation of the game,” he added.
Financial Stability for Hampshire Cricket
The GMR acquisition offers Hampshire financial insulation for years to come. Bransgrove’s initial move to privatise Hampshire in 2000 allowed the club to explore new investment opportunities without needing approval from its members. Now, this new investment will allow Hampshire to protect the traditional red ball cricket format while adapting to the modern demands of the sport.
“This gives us a stronger hand to protect red ball cricket that us purists love,” said Bransgrove. He also acknowledged that cricket needs to modernise to remain relevant for future generations.
ECB Welcomes International Investment
Richard Gould, the chief executive of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), welcomed the GMR Group’s investment, praising their commitment to maintaining Hampshire’s cricketing traditions and pathways. He added, “This announcement demonstrates the global interest in investing in cricket in England and Wales, and underlines the continuing appeal of county cricket.”
Preparing for a New Era
As the club gears up to host an Ashes Test in 2027, the investment from GMR will significantly enhance the facilities at the Utilita Bowl. The deal signals Hampshire’s ambition to remain at the forefront of English cricket while adapting to the rapidly evolving global cricket landscape.
This groundbreaking takeover is expected to set a precedent for other counties, marking the beginning of a new era in English cricket.(cricket betting app)