This IPL team becomes the 1st franchise to buy English County Team for a whopping £120 million - Report

In a significant development in the cricketing world, the GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL franchise, is expanding its global reach by acquiring a share in Hampshire Cricket Club. The Delhi Capitals will become the first overseas franchise team to own a team in England's county cricket.

Hampshire was previously associated with an IPL club, the Rajasthan Royals (RR), from 2010 to 2013, and played as Hampshire Royals during that time. The Delhi Capitals’ acquisition marks Hampshire’s first venture into full ownership with an IPL franchise, as the association with the Rajasthan Royals was a partnership.

Yorkshire is discussing with the Rajasthan Royals about a potential takeover of the Headingley-based club. However, the deal would need approval from 6,000 Yorkshire members via a ballot. Reports suggest that the Rajasthan Royals are looking to acquire a 75% stake in Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

GMR Group Beat a Second Bid from Lucknow Super Giants

The GMR Group is set to acquire the major stake in Hampshire for £120 million (about Rs 1,278 crore). The GMR Group is poised to take a 51% stake in The Hundred’s Southern Brave. The GMR Group outbid the rival IPL franchise, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), to buy the Hampshire club in county cricket.

"The Delhi part-owners are understood to have beaten a second bid from rival Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants with an offer which values Hampshire at £120 million, although that price includes the club's debts of around £60 million," the Telegraph reported.

Apart from the county club, GMR will also take control of the Utilita Bowl stadium, a Hilton hotel, and a golf course on the same site. The club’s value increased from an initial £100 million (Rs 1,065 crore) due to the Utilita Bowl’s deal with the ECB to host several international matches, including Ashes and India Tests.

The 'Daily Telegraph' first reported in January that the Delhi Capitals were considering acquiring a stake in Hampshire. There were rumors that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might allow host counties to sell up to 50% stakes in some Hundred teams.

Hampshire To Sign Young Players From Delhi Capitals - Report

The report added that Hampshire will try to sign young players from the Delhi Capitals for its domestic season and pursue titles. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently doesn’t allow Indian players to participate in overseas franchise leagues like The Hundred.

GMR Group holds a 50% stake in the Delhi Capitals IPL team alongside JSW Group. They also have shares in various franchises, including the Dubai Capitals in the UAE's ILT20, the Seattle Orcas in the USA's Major League Cricket, and the Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20. Delhi Capitals also owns a franchise in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

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