The future ownership of the Gujarat Titans (GT) is shrouded in uncertainty as current owners, CVC Capital Partners, are reportedly in talks to sell a majority stake in the IPL franchise.
According to the Economic Times, discussions are underway with two prominent Indian conglomerates – the Adani Group and the Torrent Group. Both entities were contenders to own the Ahmedabad-based franchise when it was first auctioned in 2021, ultimately losing out to CVC Capital Partners.
This potential sale comes after a mixed bag of results for GT. The franchise enjoyed a dream debut season in 2022, lifting the IPL trophy under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. However, Pandya’s departure to Mumbai Indians in 2024 and a disappointing season under Shubman Gill’s captaincy have cast a shadow.
The lock-in period set by the BCCI for new teams to prevent stake sales is set to expire in February 2025. This opens the door for a potential ownership change for GT.
The Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has a strong presence in various sectors like infrastructure, energy, and resources. Owning an IPL franchise would undoubtedly boost their brand image and expand their sporting ventures.
The Torrent Group, a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, already has a strong association with sports through their ownership of the Premier Badminton League franchise, Gujarat Falcons. Owning GT would allow them to further establish their presence in the world of cricket.
The final outcome of the negotiations remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – the IPL landscape could be undergoing a significant shift with a potential new owner at the helm of the Gujarat Titans franchise.