Hampshire Cricket is now owned by Delhi Capitals!

*Hampshire Cricket is now owned by Delhi Capitals- With the historic GMR acquisition, Hampshire became the first country owned by a foreign company. 

With the historic GMR acquisition, Hampshire becomes the first county owned by a foreign company. The
Cricket Club Hampshire Acquired by Co-Owners of Delhi Capitals GMR Organization
The GMR Group, which co-own the Delhi Capitals, and Hampshire Cricket Club have reached a historic takeover agreement. This is the only County Championship club that an international franchise has ever acquired. The agreement, which was accepted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), increases GMR’s controlling stake in Hampshire with plans to complete the acquisition in two years.

GMR has been associated with Indian IPL since 2008 with the Delhi Capitals, having first approved the team’s acquisition from Southampton a year prior. This agreement grants GMR control through a phased approach, as their objective is of reaching 100% ownership by 2026.

For Hampshire Cricket as the “fulfillment of a dream” Rod Bransgrove hails the GMR Group Partnership :

This transaction has excited Hampshire’s majority shareholder, Rod Bransgrove, who described it as “the fulfillment of a dream.” As per Bransgrove GMR stood out as a partner after a careful search because of their similar beliefs and club vision. “We think it’s the ideal organization with the right people to carry on our illustrious history,” he continued.

In addition, Bransgrove emphasized the thrilling prospects that Hampshire would have as it becomes the first cricket club in England to join an international cricket league, assisting the state in embracing the globalization of the game.

The GMR Group’s purchase of Hampshire will not impact the Hundred and Southern Braveas as the current management will continue:

It is vital to remember that this deal only pertains to Hampshire Cricket and has no bearing on The Hundred or the Southern Brave, who both have home games at the Utilita Bowl. Rod Bransgrove will remain as group chairman and David Mann will continue in his CEO role.

There are huge expenses made by Bransgrove in Hampshire’s return after first taking over the squad in 2000, just as it was ready to file for economic failure. Under his leadership the team moved from its historic Northlands Road home to the modern Utilita Bowl , and the outcome of his tireless work is that the venue will host an Ashes Test in 2027.
It’s crucial to remember that this agreement only applies to Hampshire; it has no bearing on the Southern Braves or the Hundred, either of which plays their home games in the Utilita Bowl. Till September 2026 David Mann will serve as CEO and Bransgrove as group chairman & the current Hampshire leadership group will also continue for this tenure.

Hampshire is transformed under Bransgrove’s leadership as GMR Group enters English cricket with ECB support.:

After first taking over the squad in 2000, Bransgrove made huge investments in Hampshire’s return as it was poised to file for economic failure. As a result of his persistent efforts, the team moved from its historic Northlands Road home to the modern Utilita Bowl. The ECB CEO Richard Gould welcomed GMR Group English cricket , they highlighted the group’s dedication for improving Hampshire’s cricket teams, facilities, and respect to the game’s traditions. Gould conveyed gratefulness to Bransgrove for his innovative club leadership and noted the increasing interest from across the world in investing in county cricket.

 

With the historic GMR acquisition, Hampshire becomes the first county owned by a foreign company; an analyst outlines the main advantages:

The transaction makes Hampshire the first county to be owned by a foreign business. Kevan James, the Hampshire analyst for BBC Radio Solent, called it a “historic day” for the county. James listed a number of the acquisition’s main advantages, such as the quick debt payback and Bransgrove’s ongoing participation during the changeover.
Although James highlighted that GMR’s acquisition primarily covers Hampshire’s assets, such as the ground, hotel, and golf course, he did acknowledge the possible ramifications for the Southern Brave and the Hundred competition going forward. Furthermore bolstering the club’s standing, he said, is the expectation that host counties, like as Hampshire, will eventually hold a 51% share in the Hundred competition.

*India’s Pride Moment: England, a country that once ruled India for 200 years, has now sold its most prestigious cricket team to Indian ownership.