(AFP Photo)
The GMR Group, which co-owns the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, has reached an agreement to acquire a significant stake in the English county team Hampshire. The deal, valued at £120 million (around ₹1278 crore), will grant GMR Group a 51% ownership of Hampshire. This transaction marks a historic milestone as Hampshire becomes the first county team to be controlled by an international entity.
“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.
The GMR Group’s acquisition extends beyond just the Hampshire cricket team; it will also include the Utilita Bowl stadium, the Hilton hotel, and a golf course at the same location.
In addition to their co-ownership of the Delhi Capitals, the GMR Group holds equal stakes in Dubai Capitals, the ILT20 team in the UAE, and the Seattle Orcas, a Major League Cricket franchise in the USA.
An official announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Hampshire officials, and the new owners is anticipated soon regarding this deal.
This substantial investment could potentially allow Hampshire access to some of Delhi Capitals’ emerging talent for domestic competitions like The Hundred. However, it’s important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently restricts active Indian players from participating in international leagues.
In another notable development, Yorkshire, another English county team, has resumed negotiations with the Rajasthan Royals regarding a potential acquisition of the Headingley-based club.
For the takeover to proceed, it will be necessary to obtain approval from 6,000 Yorkshire members via a ballot.
