The struggles of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 have once again brought the franchise’s ownership structure under the spotlight, with reports suggesting growing differences between co-owners GMR Group and JSW Sports over the team’s long-term management model. Despite securing a thrilling three-wicket victory against Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals remain stuck in seventh place on the IPL 2026 points table and are all but out of the playoff race.
Even if DC win both their remaining league matches, a maximum tally of 14 points is unlikely to be enough for qualification this season. Delhi’s repeated failures in recent years have intensified scrutiny on how the franchise is being run. Since reaching the IPL final in 2020, the Capitals have struggled to maintain consistency, finishing fifth in 2022, ninth in 2023, sixth in 2024, fifth again in 2025, and now facing another disappointing campaign in 2026.
According to reports, the GMR Group recently proposed a significant change to the franchise’s current operational structure. At present, GMR and JSW Sports manage the Delhi Capitals setup in alternating two-year cycles. However, GMR reportedly wants the management tenure extended to three years, aligning it with the IPL mega auction cycle.
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The idea behind the proposal is to provide greater continuity in team planning, recruitment strategy, and long-term development. Many within the franchise reportedly believe the constant switching of operational control has prevented Delhi from building a stable cricketing identity.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: JSW Sports yet to agree to three-year operating cycle floated by GMR 🏏🏆
— CricBlogger (@Indranilcricket) May 13, 2026
However, reports claim JSW Sports is currently unwilling to approve the proposed change. Since it is JSW’s turn to take over the franchise operations for the next cycle, the group reportedly wants complete control before committing to any structural adjustments.
The disagreement has sparked fresh speculation about internal instability within the franchise. Unlike several successful IPL teams that operate under a unified long-term vision, Delhi Capitals have often appeared divided in their approach to team building and cricket operations.
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The uncertainty surrounding the ownership structure could become a major talking point ahead of the IPL 2027 mega auction, a crucial period that will shape the franchise’s next phase. So far, neither GMR nor JSW Sports has officially commented on the reported differences. Delhi Capitals will next face Rajasthan Royals on May 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as they look to finish a disappointing IPL 2026 season on a positive note.
