Hampshire Cricket Pioneers Global Ownership in English County Game
Hampshire set to become first English county cricket club with overseas ownership. GMR Global Pte Ltd to acquire majority stake, with full ownership expected within two years.
Hampshire County Cricket Club is poised to make history as the first English county cricket team to be owned by an international franchise. The club has entered into a "phased acquisition" agreement with GMR Global Pte Ltd, a part-owner of the Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals.
This groundbreaking deal marks a significant milestone in the 161-year history of Hampshire, which was founded in 1863. The agreement outlines an initial purchase of a majority stake by GMR, with the expectation of full ownership within the next two years, by September 2026.
Rod Bransgrove, who stepped down as chairman in 2023, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal:
"This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters."
Bransgrove views this partnership as an opportunity to embrace the globalization of cricket and open new avenues for the club's development.
GMR Global Pte Ltd, which also holds shares in Dubai Capitals, Pretoria Capitals, and the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, has pledged to respect the traditions of English cricket while furthering the development of Hampshire's teams and pathways.
Hampshire, nicknamed "The Hawks", has a rich history in English cricket. The club has clinched the County Championship twice, in 1961 and 1973, and more recently won the T20 Blast in 2022. Their home ground, the Rose Bowl, which opened in 2001 and can accommodate 25,000 spectators, has hosted England test matches and limited-overs internationals since 2011.
The club's legacy includes producing several England captains, such as Colin Cowdrey and David Gower. Its youth academy has nurtured international talents like James Vince and Liam Dawson. Hampshire was also one of the original six teams in the Twenty20 Cup when it launched in 2003.
Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, commented on the significance of this deal:
"This demonstrates the global interest in investing in cricket in England and Wales, and underlines the continuing appeal of county cricket."
This partnership builds on Hampshire's existing international connections, including a talent development agreement with Rajasthan Royals. The club has been at the forefront of cricket innovation, becoming the first county to employ a team analyst in 1999.
As Hampshire embarks on this new chapter, it continues to support grassroots cricket through the Hampshire Cricket Foundation, established in 2015. The club's commitment to developing both men's and women's cricket, with the women's team dating back to 1935, remains a priority.
This landmark deal not only signifies a new era for Hampshire but also reflects the evolving landscape of cricket ownership and investment on a global scale.
