The Hundred franchises are up for auction in a three-round process that was just started by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
This effort, which started on October 18, 2024, has drawn interest from unexpected sources, such as nine Indian Premier League (IPL) teams and Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds. To increase its visibility and financial stability, the ECB launched the Hundred, a 100-ball cricket competition, in 2021. The Hundred is currently looking for commercial investment.
Ryan Reynolds, who co-owned Wrexham AFC with success, has shown interest in the Welsh Fire team.
A Hollywood celebrity might participate, which would increase the tournament’s visibility.
In the meanwhile, it’s impressive that IPL teams are interested. Among the nine IPL teams expressing strong interest are the Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. According to reports, the Mumbai Indians, who are already growing their portfolio internationally, are in talks with The Oval (Oval Invincibles) and Lord’s (London Spirit).
The Hundred equity sale is not something Royal Challengers Bengaluru is interested in.
The Southern Brave team is being pursued by the GMR company, who co-own the Delhi Capitals and just acquired Hampshire Cricket. By doing this, they will be the first foreign investor to participate in English County cricket.
The interest of other IPL teams, such as the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, is also apparent. The latter’s co-owner, Manoj Badale, is located in England. Fascinatingly, Avram Glazer, a shareholder in Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manchester United, is considering partnering with Sanjeev Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Supergiants.
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The new Gujarat Titans partners, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Torrent Group are the only teams interested in competing. According to reports, even GT’s minority partner CVC is considering participating through their UK affiliate.
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