Hampshire Cricket has officially entered a new era by agreeing to a landmark deal with GMR Group, the Indian infrastructure conglomerate and co-owner of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This acquisition marks the first instance of an English country being owned by an overseas entity, setting a significant precedent in the sport.
Details of the Hampshire-GMR Acquisition
The agreement allows GMR Group’s parent company, GGPL, to initially acquire a 53% stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, the parent company of Hampshire Cricket. The full acquisition is expected to be completed within the next 24 months. This strategic move not only positions GMR as the majority shareholder but also highlights their commitment to enhancing Hampshire’s cricketing legacy.
While the deal includes ownership of Hampshire Cricket and its home ground, the Utilita Bowl, it does not automatically guarantee GMR’s acquisition of Southern Brave, the Hundred franchise associated with Hampshire. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently overseeing a sale process for equity stakes in the eight Hundred teams, which involves a mechanism requiring GMR to pay fair market value for any additional stakes.
A Vision for Growth
Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire’s former chairman who sold his 60% stake, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This is the fulfillment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters.” He emphasized that this collaboration with GGPL aligns with their shared values and vision for the future of Hampshire Cricket.
Bransgrove will remain as Group Chairman until at least September 30, 2026, while David Mann continues as Group CEO. Under their leadership, Hampshire has transformed into a premier venue for cricket and other events since relocating from its historic home at Northlands Road in Southampton to the Utilita Bowl.
GMR Group’s Sporting Ambitions
GMR Group has been actively involved in sports since 2008, when it acquired the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). The group also owns franchises in various leagues worldwide, including Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20 and Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket. Grandhi Kiran Kumar, Corporate Chairman of GMR Group, stated that this acquisition aims to engage global youth and create opportunities for young talent.
“This acquisition reflects our commitment to financial prudence and value creation,” Kumar noted. “We envision transforming sports into a platform that unites people and cultures.”
The Impact on County Cricket
Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, welcomed GMR Group to English cricket, highlighting that this deal underscores the growing global interest in investing in county cricket. He expressed confidence that GMR’s involvement would enhance facilities at Utilita Bowl and continue developing Hampshire’s cricket teams.
Hampshire has already hosted significant events like the inaugural World Test Championship final between Australia and India in 2021 and is set to host its first Ashes Test in 2027. This acquisition opens exciting new avenues for both Hampshire and its supporters as they embrace globalization within cricket.
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