The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) global influence continues to grow, with four IPL franchises—Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals’ co-owners, GMR Group—reportedly making it to the final shortlist for acquiring teams in The Hundred, England’s innovative 100-ball cricket tournament.
Key Highlights
London Franchises Attracting Maximum Interest
- Oval Invincibles and London Spirit: These two teams have emerged as the most sought-after franchises in the bidding process.
- Mumbai Indians: The franchise, alongside a consortium of global tech leaders (including Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Shantanu Narayen), is vying for the Oval Invincibles.
- Lancer Capital: Led by Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, they are interested in both London-based teams.
Other Franchises and IPL Team Interests
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (Sun Group): Shortlisted for Trent Rockets (Nottingham), Northern Superchargers (Leeds), and Welsh Fire (Cardiff).
- Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG Group): Interested in London Spirit and Manchester Originals.
- Gujarat Titans (CVC Capital Partners): Competing for Birmingham Phoenix.
- Delhi Capitals’ co-owners (GMR Group): Part of the shortlisted investors for multiple franchises.
Tech Consortium’s Entry
A high-profile group of tech giants, including leaders from Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, is eyeing the Oval Invincibles and London Spirit, highlighting the growing tech sector’s involvement in cricket’s global expansion.
Other Notable Bidders
- Sanjay Govil: A US-based entrepreneur and owner of Washington Freedom, expressed interest in three franchises outside of London.
Bidding Process
The final financial bids from shortlisted investors will determine ownership. The highest bid for each franchise will secure the team. New franchise owners will take control starting from the 2026 season, with the 2025 season’s schedule expected to be announced soon.
IPL Franchises Not in the Shortlist
- Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings were initially interested but are not currently on the shortlist.
Broader Implications
The inclusion of IPL franchises and tech giants in The Hundred highlights the growing global appeal of cricket leagues and the potential for cross-border investments. With IPL franchises already involved in leagues like the SA20, Major League Cricket, and CPL, this expansion marks another significant step in globalizing the sport.
The ECB’s decision to provide cricketing operations flexibility to potential owners has made The Hundred an attractive prospect for IPL stakeholders, accustomed to managing operations independently.