Delhi Capitals Co-Owners GMR Make History with Hampshire Cricket Takeover, First Overseas Ownership in English County

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In a groundbreaking move, Hampshire Cricket has become the first English county to have overseas ownership after GMR Global Pte Ltd (GGPL), a subsidiary of the Indian infrastructure conglomerate GMR Group, acquired a majority stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd.

The GMR Group, well-known for co-owning the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, will complete a 100% acquisition of Hampshire within the next two years. The deal, first agreed upon a year ago, is set to transform Hampshire's financial and sporting future.

With an initial 53% stake, GMR's phased acquisition aims to strengthen Hampshire's financial position by injecting capital into the club. This investment will reduce the county's debt, improve the facilities at the Utilita Bowl, including the stadium, hotel, and golf course, and further develop Hampshire's cricket pathways.

Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire's former majority shareholder, who has ove
rseen the club's transformation over the last two decades, expressed his excitement about the partnership. "This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and for all Hampshire supporters. GGPL shares our vision and values, and I believe they are the perfect partner to carry on Hampshire's proud legacy," said Bransgrove.

He will continue as Group Chairman until at least 2026, while David Mann will remain as Group CEO. Hampshire's transition from a member-owned club to a commercial entity under Bransgrove's leadership saw the county move to the Utilita Bowl in 2001.

Over the years, the stadium has hosted key cricketing events, including Test matches, and is scheduled to host its first Ashes Test in 2027. While the deal secures GMR's control over Hampshire Cricket, it does not extend to Southern Brave, the Hundred franchise associated with Hampshire.

However, GMR remains an influential player in global cricket, with stakes in multiple T20 franchises. This includes the Delhi Capitals, Dubai Capitals, Pretoria Capitals, and USA's Seattle Orcas. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) welcomed the acquisition.

CEO Richard Gould noted that GMR's investment highlights the global interest in English cricket. Grandhi Kiran Kumar, Corporate Chairman of GMR Group, said the acquisition aligns with GMR's vision to create global platforms for youth talent and unite people through sports.