Delhi Capitals (DC), a prominent franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is reportedly engaged in discussions to secure a stake in the Hampshire County Cricket Club. Recent reports suggest that Rod Bransgrove, the majority shareholder of Hampshire, is on the verge of finalizing a deal with the GMR Group, which co-owns DC. If this agreement materializes, it would mark a historic moment as Hampshire would become the first county club to be owned by an overseas franchise.
Bransgrove, who served as Hampshire’s long-term chairman, relinquished his role at the end of 2023 but retains over 60 percent of the club’s shares. Speculation suggests that more county clubs might shift away from the member-owned model in the foreseeable future.
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Telegraph Sport reports that Bransgrove played a crucial role in Hampshire’s progress, overseeing significant changes, including the development of the renowned Ageas Bowl. This venue is poised to create history by hosting an Ashes Test in 2027, as well as hosting Tests against India in 2029 and 2030. It has been known that Bransgrove has actively sought to sell his shares in the club for some time.
Delhi Capitals Owners in advanced talks to buy Hampshire English County franchise. (The Telegraph)
– For the first time any overseas company set to buy English County club..!!! pic.twitter.com/u2RD4IGF5F
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) January 11, 2024
In an open letter to fans upon stepping down from his role at Hampshire last month, Bransgrove stated, “Finally, and importantly, although I am stepping down, I am not leaving. I have an important role now to make sure that our plans for the Ashes 2027 are underpinned by long-term financial security. I promised at the outset that Hampshire Cricket will never again be threatened by insolvency, and I intend to fulfill this commitment before I put my feet up.”
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Additionally, GMR Group holds a 50 percent stake in Delhi Capitals across both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL), with the remaining half owned by the JSW Group.
GMR also owns the Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20 and has a share in the ownership of the Seattle Orcas in the USA’s Major League Cricket. Meanwhile, JSW Group owns Pretoria Capitals, a subsidiary of the Delhi franchise, participating in South Africa’s SA20.
