Delhi Capitals In 'Advanced Talks' To Over Stakes Acquisition In Hampshire County Cricket Club - Reports
Published - 11 Jan 2024, 04:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:25 AM
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire a stake in the Hampshire County Cricket Club. The Delhi Capitals could make history by becoming the first overseas franchise to own a county cricket club.
Hampshire County Cricket Club’s majority shareholder, Rod Bransgrove, is in the final stages of negotiations to sell the majority stake to GMR Group. According to the Telegraph, the agreement between Bransgrove and the co-owners of Delhi Capitals is nearing completion.
Delhi Capitals In ‘Advanced Talks’ With Hampshire
Bransgrove concluded his 23-year tenure as chairman at Hampshire at the close of 2023. He still holds a majority stake of over 60% in the club. This move suggests a trend where more county clubs are likely to move away from the member-owned model shortly.
“Hampshire County Cricket Club’s majority shareholder is in advanced talks to sell his stake to the part-owners of Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals,” read the statement reported by Daily Telegraph.
Hampshire’s Past Association With Rajasthan Royals
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly considering offering a 50% share in The Hundred teams. The interest of the GMR in acquiring a county team is aimed at securing a potential “first-mover advantage” for investments in The Hundred teams.
Hampshire had a previous association with an IPL club, the Rajasthan Royals, from 2010 to 2013, playing as the Hampshire Royals during that time. While the prior arrangement with the Rajasthan Royals was a partnership, a potential merger with the Delhi Capitals would represent Hampshire’s first venture into ownership in such a capacity.
Although I Am Stepping Down, I Am Not Leaving – Rod Bransgrove
Rod Bransgrove has played a pivotal role in propelling Hampshire forward, notably spearheading the development of the Ageas Bowl. This venue is poised to host significant events, such as an Ashes Test in 2027 and Test matches against India in 2029 and 2030.
Even after stepping down, Bransgrove remains dedicated to securing the long-term financial stability of Hampshire Cricket, as conveyed in an open letter to fans following his recent departure.
“Finally, and importantly, although I am stepping down, I am not leaving. I have an important role now to make sure that our plans for the Ashes 2027 are underpinned by long-term financial security. I promised at the outset that Hampshire Cricket will never again be threatened by insolvency and I intend to fulfill this commitment before I put my feet up,” Bransgrove said in an open letter to fans upon stepping down from the role in Hampshire last month.
GMR Group has a diversified global cricket portfolio with a 50% stake in Delhi Capitals in the IPL and Women’s Premier League in association with JSW Group. Their ownership extends to the Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20 and a partnership interest in the Seattle Orcas in the USA’s Major League Cricket. In the South African SA20, JSW owns Pretoria Capitals, a subsidiary of the Delhi franchise.
