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[Saba Sports News] GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made a groundbreaking move by acquiring Hampshire Cricket, marking a significant milestone in the sport. This is the first time an international company has acquired a county cricket team, setting a new precedent in the cricketing world.
The group, owned by Kiran Kumar Granthi, has entered an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited (HSLHL), the parent company of Hampshire Cricket. According to the group, the acquisition will take place in phases over the next 24 months.
Hampshire Cricket, established in 1863, is one of 18 First-class counties under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
While this acquisition won’t immediately affect the ECB’s plan to privatize The Hundred, it does mean that Hampshire’s Southern Brave team in The Hundred will now fall under GMR’s control.
The deal, worth £45 million for a full stake (around ₹450-500 crore), will see GMR initially acquiring 53% for £23 million (₹230-300 crore), with the remaining 47% to be purchased over the next two years. According to reports, certain incentives are included in the agreement, conditional on Hampshire fulfilling its commitments.
With this deal, GMR will also acquire Hampshire’s home ground, the Utilita Bowl (formerly the Rose Bowl), along with a golf course and a Hilton Hotel adjacent to the stadium. The most significant gain is the land, which is expected to appreciate over time, as seen in the real estate sector. The principal terms were agreed upon a year ago, with the enterprise valued at a fair market price, the statement confirmed.
Hampshire’s current leadership will remain in place, with Rod Bransgrove staying on as Group Chairman until at least September 2026, and David Mann continuing as Group CEO. Both will collaborate with GMR on short- and long-term strategies to ensure the club’s growth and future success.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to global sports and our belief in the power of cricket to unite people. We look forward to working with the Hampshire team to create a sustainable and successful future for the club,” said Granthi.
Bransgrove, reflecting on the deal, called it the realization of a long-held ambition.
“This is the fulfillment of a dream for me, and I hope for all Hampshire Cricket supporters. Over the past 24 years, beyond our on-field achievements, we’ve transformed our stadium into a premier Test Match and events venue, as well as one of the top cricket and leisure facilities in the country. We’ve also been pioneers in women’s cricket and have consistently innovated throughout our history.”