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In a groundbreaking development, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are competing with global tech giants like Microsoft and Google for the ownership of teams in The Hundred, England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) 100-ball cricket tournament. The ECB has officially shortlisted potential candidates as it looks to sell ownership stakes in all eight teams of the league.
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IPL Teams in the Running
Among the IPL franchises bidding for The Hundred teams are:
- Mumbai Indians
- Delhi Capitals
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Lucknow Super Giants
The GMR Group, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, has already acquired a majority stake in Hampshire Cricket and is reportedly eyeing ownership of the Southern Brave franchise in The Hundred.
Tech Giants Join the Race
In addition to IPL franchises, major global players, including Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, have also been shortlisted. Key individuals from these organizations, such as Sundar Pichai (Google CEO), Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe CEO), and Satyan Gajwani (Times Internet vice-chairman), are part of an investor consortium vying for a share of The Hundred franchises.
This consortium has shown particular interest in London Spirit, with its home venue being the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The Bidding Process
The ECB has designed a rigorous selection process:
- Investors were initially allowed to bid for all eight franchises.
- Following consultations with investors and host counties, the ECB shortlisted one investor per franchise.
- Each shortlisted investor will now submit a final financial bid, and ownership will be awarded to the highest bidder for each team.
The floor valuation price ensures bids meet a minimum benchmark. New owners will officially take control of the teams starting from the next season.
Most Popular Franchises
London-based franchises, Oval Invincibles and London Spirit, have attracted the highest number of investors. Surprisingly, Manchester Originals has also garnered significant interest, with Mumbai Indians targeting this franchise due to its association with Manchester’s iconic football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Tech Giants vs. IPL Franchises
Both Mumbai Indians and Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer’s Lancer Capital are bidding for the Oval Invincibles, showcasing the intense competition between IPL franchises and global conglomerates.
Other IPL Teams in the Mix
Several other IPL franchises, including:
- Chennai Super Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rajasthan Royals
- Punjab Kings
have also expressed interest in acquiring teams in The Hundred. However, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have not been shortlisted.
What’s at Stake?
This move represents the growing globalization of cricket and the increasing involvement of IPL franchises in overseas leagues. It also highlights the sport’s commercial viability, attracting interest from the biggest names in both the cricketing and business worlds.
With the likes of Sanjeev Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, and US-based entrepreneur Sanjay Govil joining the mix, the stakes for The Hundred are higher than ever.
Will IPL franchises outbid tech giants to dominate another international cricketing frontier? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on this global battle for cricket ownership?
