Surrey Secures 51% Ownership of Oval Invincibles in MI Partnership

Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC), the owner of Oval Invincibles, has announced that it will retain a 51% majority share in the franchise. This move ensures that the club maintains control while forming a partnership with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) through its subsidiary RISE Worldwide. This transition will take effect when ownership of The Hundred teams transfers from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the clubs at the end of 2025.

Surrey Retains Control

The club’s statement clarified that RISE Worldwide will hold a 49% share of the team, while SCCC keeps the majority stake. By partnering with Mumbai Indians’ ownership group, Surrey hopes to leverage the franchise’s extensive experience and success to enhance its performance in The Hundred.

“RISE will have a 49 per cent share of the Hundred team, with Surrey retaining the majority 51 per cent. The club hopes to benefit from Mumbai Indians’ vast experience and proven success, fresh off lifting yet another league title in South Africa over the weekend, to further strengthen and maintain the team’s position as the leading franchise in the competition,” the club said in a statement.

Oval Invincibles were the first Hundred team to be sold by the ECB and were valued at GBP 123 million. With RISE acquiring a 49% stake, this translates to an investment of approximately GBP 60 million from the Indian conglomerate.

Oval Invincibles’ Dominance in The Hundred

The Oval Invincibles have been the most successful team in The Hundred competition, securing four consecutive titles. Their women’s team clinched back-to-back titles in the first two years, followed by consecutive victories from the men’s team in 2023 and 2024.

Mumbai Indians’ Global Expansion

Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, have extended their footprint globally. They have won five IPL titles, two Champions League titles, and several other domestic and international league trophies, including the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Major League Cricket in 2023, ILT20 in 2024, and SA20 in 2025.

“Over 17 years, the dedication of the MI family has resulted in 11 league titles across the globe, including five IPL championships, two Champions League victories, and the inaugural WPL and Major League Cricket titles in 2023, ILT20 in 2024 and SA20 in 2025. Every team in the MI Family now has a winner’s trophy,” the statement said.

Nita Ambani on the Expansion

Nita M. Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Oval Invincibles into their cricketing family. She emphasized how this partnership broadens MI’s global fan base, spanning India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England.

“Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment. With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England – ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey,” Nita M. Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, remarked.

Akash Ambani’s Vision

Akash Ambani echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the shared passion for cricket between Mumbai Indians and Surrey CCC. He emphasized their goal of enhancing the franchise’s success by utilizing MI’s cricketing expertise.

Akash Ambani further expressed, “We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners, Surrey CCC, who share our passion and ethos for the sport. By leveraging our global cricket expertise, we aim to further elevate the teams, engage with fans, and expand our footprint in the sport we love.”

Surrey CCC’s Perspective

Oli Slipper, Chair of Surrey CCC, expressed confidence in the partnership, acknowledging Mumbai Indians as the most successful IPL team. He believes the collaboration will ensure continued success for both Surrey CCC and the Oval Invincibles.

Oli Slipper, Chair of Surrey CCC, said. “They share our passion for cricket, they own the biggest and most successful team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians, and we believe this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our Hundred team.”