In what is a groundbreaking move for English cricket, Hampshire County Cricket Club is set to become the first English county to have overseas ownership. The club’s parent company, Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, has agreed to sell a majority stake to GMR Group, an Indian infrastructure conglomerate.
The Deal with GMR Group
GMR Group, known for its involvement in various T20 leagues such as the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, is acquiring an initial 53% stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd. The Indian conglomerate is expected to complete a 100% acquisition within 24 months, solidifying its control over the English county.
GMR Group is primarily an infrastructure development company but has a notable history in sports investments. The group’s first major sporting investment was the purchase of the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008. The conglomerate also owns the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 league and has a stake in the Seattle Orcas in the MLC.
One critical aspect of the deal is whether GMR Group will also acquire full ownership of Southern Brave, the Hundred team that plays at Hampshire’s home ground, the Utilita Bowl. Although the ECB plans to sell 51% of the equity stakes in the eight Hundred teams to their respective host counties, a mechanism is in place for GMR to acquire the remaining 49%.
Rob Bransgrove, Hampshire’s former chairman, has played a pivotal role in transforming the club. His decision to sell his 60% stake in the company signifies a shift in the club’s ownership structure, yet he will remain as Group Chairman until at least 2026.
GMR Group’s acquisition is not merely a business transaction; it is also an investment in the future of English cricket. Grandhi Kiran Kumar, Corporate Chairman of GMR, emphasized the group’s vision to unite people and cultures through sports, create opportunities for young talent, and drive global excellence.
A new era for Hampshire Cricket
Hampshire’s move toward overseas ownership is a first for English cricket but could pave the way for other counties to follow suit. With GMR Group’s investment, Hampshire enters a new era. The club’s focus on globalization, combined with its rich cricketing tradition, makes it well-positioned to attract international talent and host major events. This is particularly timely as Hampshire gears up to host its first-ever Ashes Test in 2027.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has played a supportive role in this transition, recognizing the global interest in English county cricket. Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, expressed optimism about the deal, noting that it demonstrates the continuing appeal of county cricket on the international stage.
Hampshire’s Utilita Bowl has been at the forefront of the county’s growth. Since hosting its first Test match in 2011, the venue has become a cornerstone of English cricket. In 2021, it hosted the inaugural World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand, and its on-site hotel and modern facilities make it an attractive location for international cricket.
“This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters,” Bransgrove said in a press release. “Beyond our team’s accomplishments on the field over the past 24 years, we have transformed our stadium into a premier Test Match and events venue and one of the most exceptional cricket and leisure facilities in the country. We have also been pioneers in the development of women’s cricket and have consistently innovated throughout this relatively short history.
“After a thorough selection process, we chose GGPL as our partners due to their shared values and commitment to our vision. We believe GGPL is the perfect organization, with the right people, to build on our proud legacy. Becoming the first English cricket club to join an international cricket group will open exciting new opportunities as we embrace the globalization of this great sport.”
The acquisition of Hampshire by an overseas entity is part of a broader trend of globalization in cricket. With the rise of T20 leagues worldwide, cricket is becoming more commercially driven, and traditional cricket structures are evolving to accommodate this new reality.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
