'Desperate' ECB to grant IPL owners power to rename The Hundred teams without major stake

In a recent development, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is all set to sell stakes in its 100-ball tournament (The Hundred) next month. Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are expected to bid for the shares, and the ECB is likely to allow them to rename the teams even without buying a controlling stake.

The GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals (DC), recently signed a £120 million deal with Hampshire to own a team in England's county cricket. Delhi Capitals became the first overseas franchise to buy an English County team. The IPL franchises are expected to buy stakes in The Hundred tournament.

ECB Set to Allow IPL Franchises to Rename The Hundred Teams

According to The Guardian, the England and Wales Cricket Board is eager to attract Indian investment in the eight teams of The Hundred. The report added that the owners may seek some control and change names, depending on their investment size.

“All the IPL owners are saying they will bid, but they will want some control for their cash. It’s essentially a big brand play for the IPL so we expect them to push for name changes, which will depend on the amount they have invested,” a source involved in the sale process was quoted as saying in the report.

The report further stated that the ECB has been in discussions with potential investors, including American sports franchise owners like Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and Manchester United owner Avram Glazer over the past few months. They expressed interest in buying stakes in the Hundred teams.

Ambani Family Considering Acquiring and Rebranding the London Spirit

It further stated that Birmingham City’s American owners, Knighthead Capital, are interested in Birmingham Phoenix. The Ambani family, owners of the Mumbai Indians, MI New York, MI Emirates, and MI Cape Town, is considering a bid to acquire and rebrand the London Spirit team as MI London.

"London Spirit are viewed as the jewel in the crown of the Hundred auction and are expected to attract bids worth several times more than many of the other franchises when the ECB begins the process of selling 49% of the eight teams next month," said the report.

“The governing body has been given the green light by the counties to formally begin the process next month, which will be run by the American bank, the Raine Group, which also managed the recent sales of United and Chelsea,” added the report.

The report further mentioned that IPL 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals are likely to bid for the Northern Superchargers as part of their acquisition of Yorkshire. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are expected to pursue a stake in the Southern Brave team following their £120 million deal to buy Hampshire.

The Hundred is known for its fast-paced 100-ball format and high-profile teams. It features eight city-based franchises competing for the coveted trophy. Both men’s and women’s teams play simultaneously, with each side allowed 100 legal deliveries per innings.

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