IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals co-owners GMR Group secure landmark deal, acquiring majority stake in Hampshire

The co-owners of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, GMR Group, on Monday (30th September), purchased the County team Hampshire Cricket. In what is a historic move, it is the first time that a private group has acquired a county cricket team.

GMR Group, which is owned by Kiran Kumar Granthi, has acquired a 100 percent stake of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited (HSLHL), the parent company of Hampshire Cricket. They will be completing the entire acquisition in the next 24 hours in phases.

Delhi Capitals co-owner will be paying 45 million pounds for a 100 percent (about Rs 450-500 crore) stake in Hampshire. Firstly, GMR will be buying 53 percent for 23 million pounds (between Rs 230-300 crore), and they will be purchasing the remaining 47 percent over the next two years. There are few incentives involved in that, and it will be subject to Hampshire honoring the promised deliverables.

With Delhi Capitals owners now having the rights of The Hampshire, they will now be the owners of The Hampshire ground, Utilita Bowl, along with the golf course adjacent to it. Not only this, the Hilton Hotel, which is on one side of the ground, will also be owned by the Indian company. Both parties formally agreed upon the principal terms and conditions a year ago.

We are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family - Delhi Capitals co-owner

Delhi Capitals co-owner, GMR Group owner, Kiran Kumar Granthi talked about the development, saying that they are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket. While talking about their plans, he said that they are creating a sustainable and successful future for the club. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he explained:

"We are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to global sports and our belief in the power of cricket to unite people. We look forward to working with the Hampshire team to create a sustainable and successful future for the club."

Even though the GMR group has acquired the Hampshire, the leadership team will continue. Rod Bransgrove will continue serving as Group Chairman until at least September 2026, and David Mann will be the Group CEO. They, along with the Indian company, will work to develop short-, medium--, and long-term strategies for the consistent growth of the club and its operations.

Rod Bransgrove, while talking about the same, says it's a dream come true for them. He while talking about the team's accomplishments stated:

"This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters. Beyond our team's accomplishments on the field over the past 24 years, we have transformed our stadium into a premier Test Match and events venue and one of the most exceptional cricket and leisure facilities in the country. We have also been pioneers in the development of women's cricket and have consistently innovated throughout our relatively short history."

GMR Group, which owns Delhi Capitals, will also now have a stake in Hampshire's Southern Brave team in The Hundred.