The GMR Group, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals IPL franchise, has made a historic move by acquiring a 49% stake in Hampshire County Cricket Club for approximately ₹1,200 crore, marking the first entry of an overseas investor into the English county cricket system. This acquisition grants GMR control over significant assets including the Utilita Bowl, a Hilton hotel, and an adjacent golf course, with the option to increase their stake to 51% in the future. The deal is seen as a strategic expansion of GMR's cricket portfolio, which already includes teams in the IPL, UAE's ILT20, and USA's Major League Cricket. Following this, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is actively promoting privatization opportunities within The Hundred, as they seek financial stability, which may attract further interest from other IPL franchises. Additionally, discussions regarding potential changes to The Hundred format are underway, with a shift to T20 matches being considered. The GMR-Hampshire deal is anticipated to accelerate conversations between other counties and overseas investors looking to enter the English cricket landscape.