“Delhi Capitals Owners to Acquire Major Stake in Hampshire Takeover”

The GMR Group, co-owners of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, has finalized a deal to purchase a major stake in the English county team Hampshire for 120 million pounds (approximately Rs 1,278 crore). With this agreement, Hampshire will become the first county cricket team to be owned by an overseas entity, as the GMR Group will hold 51 percent of the team’s shares. The Telegraph reports that the GMR Group’s bid surpassed a competing offer from the Lucknow Super Giants IPL franchise, although the valuation includes the club’s debts of around 60 million pounds.

In addition to acquiring a stake in Hampshire, the GMR Group will also take control of the Utilita Bowl cricket stadium, a Hilton hotel, and a golf course at the same location.

The GMR Group, which already co-owns the Delhi Capitals, also has equal stakes in the Dubai Capitals, the ILT20 side in the UAE, and the Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket in the USA.

An official announcement about the deal from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Hampshire club officials, and the new owners is expected soon.

This takeover could potentially allow Hampshire to access some of Delhi Capitals’ young players for domestic tournaments like The Hundred. However, as of now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas leagues.

In another development, Yorkshire, an English county team, has resumed discussions with the Rajasthan Royals regarding a potential takeover of the Headingley-based club. This move would require approval from 6,000 Yorkshire members through a ballot.