American technology billionaire Sanjay Govil has emerged as the leading contender to buy a minority stake in Hobart Hurricanes. Govil is targeting the Tasmanian franchise as privatization talks continue to grow within Australian domestic cricket and investor interest increases around Big Bash League (BBL) teams.
Cricket Australia (CA) is preparing to approve the sale process for selected member associations. Merchant bank The Raine Group is assisting the board during the transition after a report by Boston Consulting Group recommended selling 49 percent stakes in all eight franchises in the tournament.
American Tech Billionaire Sanjay Govil Frontrunner for Buying Hobart Hurricanes Stake
According to a report by Code Sports, Sanjay Govil confirmed his interest in buying a stake in Hobart Hurricanes during an interview in the United States. He said his close relationship with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting played a major role in the decision.
“Because of our close association with Ricky Ponting, who’s our coach and a close friend for the Washington Freedom – he’s obviously in Hobart – we are definitely interested.
“I mean, obviously we have to go through a competitive process. We realise that, but we feel that with the credibility we have with Washington Freedom, the team we have chosen for The Hundred in the first year with the Welsh Fire. Yes, I feel you know that we are a good contender for one of the BBL teams, and you know, we’re very interested in the Hobart Hurricanes.
“We not only have Ricky Ponting, but we also have Mitch Owen, who’s from there, and you know we like, and then we just signed one more player from Tasmania, right, Nikhil (Chaudhary). So we have a good connection there. So we’re very, very interested.”
Ricky Ponting continues to work closely with the Tasmanian franchise as head of strategy. Govil currently owns Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket and earlier bought a 50 percent stake in Welsh Fire for around 75 million Australian dollars.
It’s Not Invasion, It’s Blending of Cultures - Sanjay Govil on Global Cricket Expansion
Sanjay Govil shared his broader vision for global franchise cricket while discussing investments in different leagues around the world. He dismissed concerns about overseas ownership changing the identity of traditional domestic teams.
“I believe, after the IPL, the BBL, MLC, and The Hundred, they’re all going to be fighting for No.2, and the good news is that you know all four align in terms of calendar with each other. It’s not invasion, it’s blending of cultures.”
Several senior officials from Cricket Australia recently visited India for discussions during the IPL season. While New South Wales and Queensland decided against immediate privatization, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania are reportedly interested in moving ahead with the restructuring process.
I Still Don’t Understand Why He Didn’t Play - Sanjay Govil Questions Australia’s Decision
Sanjay Govil also questioned the recent selection decisions made by the Australian team management. The businessman said he could not understand why veteran batter Steve Smith remained out of the playing XI despite being in strong form before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
“I still don’t understand why he didn’t play for the Australian team. That was something which I never understood. I mean, he flew all the way and he was in such good form.”
Hobart Hurricanes Women are also the defending champions in the Women’s Big Bash League. Reports have suggested that Melbourne Renegades could be sold to an IPL-linked ownership group, while the Melbourne Cricket Club has shown interest in buying a minority stake in the Stars.
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