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ToggleThe Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings are considering expanding their presence in the UK. Two IPL teams are interested in co-owning franchises in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) The Hundred.
The ECB aims to revamp The Hundred after its underwhelming performance. The board plans to reshape it as an ‘English-dominated’ league with reduced IPL team involvement. The 100-ball tournament failed to establish its relevance within the cricketing landscape.
Indian IPL franchises are expanding their investments in international leagues, asserting dominance in various global franchise tournaments. They have notably invested in leagues like South Africa’s SA20, the UAE’s ILT20, and the USA’s Major League Cricket.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Parent Company in Talks with ECB
According to a Cricbuzz report, discussions have occurred between Sun TV Network, the parent company of Sunrisers Hyderabad, and ECB officials. However, a final decision is anticipated in April, contingent upon the ECB’s determination regarding privatization.
Sunrisers have tasted success in South Africa’s SA20, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning the title in the first two seasons, boosting their confidence in overseas investments. Aiden Markram led the team to victory in South Africa’s T20 tournament on both occasions.
Chennai Super Kings Exploring Investment Opportunities In English Cricket
The Chennai Super Kings are also exploring investment opportunities in English cricket, having already invested in SA20 and the USA’s Major League Cricket. However, the franchise is currently awaiting a formal proposal from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The GMR Group, which owns Dubai Capitals in ILT20 and Pretoria Capitals in SA20, is in discussions with Hampshire County Cricket Club. Rod Bransgrove, the majority shareholder of Hampshire, is nearing the completion of negotiations to sell the stake to GMR Group.
The BCCI remains silent on IPL franchises investing abroad, fearing strengthened foreign leagues could challenge the IPL’s dominance. The concerns of the Indian board revolve around the potential competition posed by Indian companies’ involvement in these ventures.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah stated that it’s an internal matter for the board and IPL to discuss before engaging with franchises. Earlier, the Indian cricket board had discouraged IPL teams from investing in overseas leagues.
The Hundred 2024 Scheduled To Kick Off On July 23 In London
The Hundred is renowned for its dynamic 100-ball format and star-studded rosters. Over five action-packed weeks, eight city-based franchises fiercely compete in this dynamic cricket extravaganza. Men’s and women’s teams compete simultaneously.
Each squad is composed of 15 players, including overseas stars and limited English contract players. The Men’s Hundred’s fourth edition commences on July 23, with a clash between the Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix at The Kia Oval, London.
The Hundred adopts a unique structure with teams playing 20 overs, consisting of five deliveries per over. This structure restricts each side to 100 legal deliveries per innings.
