Hampshire Cricket Becomes First English Club Owned by Overseas Franchise

Hampshire will become the first English county cricket club to be owned by an overseas franchise following an acquisition agreement with India's GMR Group, which operates the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. The deal includes a phased acquisition, with initial plans for GMR to obtain a majority stake and a complete takeover expected within two years. Hampshire's chairman, Rod Bransgrove, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing its potential to open new opportunities and enhance the club's legacy. The acquisition will also address Hampshire's existing debt and maintain the current leadership structure. The agreement aims to respect traditional English cricket while allowing for player exchanges and international tournaments. Overall, this development reflects the globalization of cricket and the increasing interest from overseas investors in English clubs.