Delhi Capitals (DC), the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, are reportedly in talks to acquire a share of the Hampshire County Cricket Club. According to various reports, Hampshire’s majority shareholder, Rod Bransgrove, is close to finalising a deal with GMR Group, co-owner of DC. If the agreement is made, it will be a historic moment as Hampshire will be the first county club to be owned by an overseas franchise.
Bransgrove was Hampshire’s long-term chairman and he stepped from the role at the end of 2023. He, however, remains the majority shareholder of Hampshire, holding more than 60 percent of the shares. It is believed that more county clubs are likely to back off from the member-owned model in the coming period.
According to a report in Telegraph Sport, Bransgrove has played a pivotal role in Hampshire’s progress thus far. During his stint, he brought about significant changes, including the development of the Ageas Bowl. This venue is set to make history by hosting an Ashes Test in 2027, and it is also slated to host Tests against India in 2029 and 2030. In addition, it is understood that Bransgrove has been actively looking to sell his shares in the club for some time.
“Finally, and importantly, although I am stepping down, I am not leaving. I have an important role now to make sure that our plans for the Ashes 2027 are underpinned by long-term financial security. I promised at the outset that Hampshire Cricket will never again be threatened by insolvency and I intend to fulfil this commitment before I put my feet up,” Bransgrove said in an open letter to fans upon stepping down from the role in Hampshire last month.
Furthermore, GMR holds a 50 percent stake in Delhi Capitals, in both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL), with the remaining half owned by another Indian conglomerate JSW Group. GMR is also the owner of Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20 and holds a share in the ownership of Seattle Orcas in the USA’s Major League Cricket. JSW, on the other hand, owns Pretoria Capitals, a subsidiary of the Delhi franchise, participating in South Africa’s SA20.