Capitals of Delhi (representative image). Photo: Sportzpics for IPL
Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals could be eyeing a foothold in English cricket as it is in “advanced talks” to buy shares in county side Hampshire, a report said.
According to a report in the ‘Daily Telegraph’, former Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove, who still has a majority stake in the club, is close to agreeing a deal to sell the county side to GMR Group, the co-owners of Delhi Capitals.
“The majority shareholder of Hampshire County Cricket Club is in advanced talks to sell its stake to the co-owners of Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals,” the report said.
If the deal is completed, Hampshire will become the first district to be “owned by an overseas franchise”, the company said.
The benefits of buying a county side for GMR could include a foothold in the English game, it added.
With The Hundred franchise tournament gaining popularity in England, the deal could give GMR a “first-mover advantage” and also help the IPL franchise “develop its own players”.
The development comes amid reports that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is exploring opening up 50 percent stakes in a few hundred teams, and giving host nations the option to sell their shares.
Bransgrove, who led Hampshire for almost 23 years, resigned as chairman last year, but still holds more than 60 percent of the shares.
The report added that Hampshire is one of three county clubs, alongside Northamptonshire and Durham, that are not owned by its members, giving Bransgrove the choice to sell its stake “without fan input”.
Bransgrove is credited with developing the Ageas Bowl, which will host an Ashes Test for the first time in 2027.
Rural had a partnership with IPL side Rajasthan Royals between 2010 and 2013 and played T20 cricket as Hampshire Royals.
GMR has a 50 percent stake in Delhi Capitals in both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL). They also own Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20, in addition to a stake in US Major League Cricket side Seattle Orcas.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: January 11, 2024 | 11:57 am IST