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The Hundred Team Sale Begins: Oval Invincibles Up First
England’s The Hundred Enters Crucial Phase with Team Sales
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to commence the much-anticipated sale of teams in The Hundred on Thursday (January 30). This marks a significant milestone in the league’s evolution, as ownership stakes in the eight franchise teams will be offered to investors. The first team up for sale is the Oval Invincibles, a London-based team currently managed by Surrey County Cricket Club.
With the financial advisory firm Raine Group overseeing the process, expectations are high, but so are the uncertainties surrounding the disinvestment drive. While there was initial enthusiasm from multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners, only a few remain in contention as the sale approaches.
IPL Owners in the Race for The Hundred Teams
Earlier, there was speculation that several IPL team owners would be eager to invest in The Hundred. However, as the sale nears, the number of contenders has dwindled.
At present, the following IPL franchises are still in the running:
- Mumbai Indians (RIL-owned)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals has already aligned with Southern Brave (Hampshire County). On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have opted out of the bidding process.
The ECB is expected to conduct the sale in multiple phases, providing opportunities for investors to compete in subsequent rounds if they do not secure a team initially.
Oval Invincibles Sale – A Key First Step
Ownership and Bidding Process
The sale of Oval Invincibles is being closely watched. Initially, the Surrey-based franchise was hesitant about selling its share. However, recent developments suggest that it is now open to a partial stake sale. The ECB is offering a 49% stake, with the potential for full control transferring to the new owner if the county decides to divest its remaining 51% share.
Potential Buyers
Reports suggest that Mumbai Indians (MI), in collaboration with a US-based technology investment group, is one of the strong contenders for Oval Invincibles. The sale could set the precedent for how other teams will be sold in the coming days.
Sale Schedule: What’s Next?
Following Oval Invincibles, the ECB will proceed with selling other franchises in a structured manner:
Day 1:
- Oval Invincibles (London – Surrey County)
- Birmingham Phoenix
Day 2:
- London Spirit (Lord’s – MCC)
- Welsh Fire (Cardiff)
Remaining Teams (Later Phases):
- Manchester Originals
- Trent Rockets (Nottingham)
- Northern Superchargers (Yorkshire – SRH reportedly interested)
- Southern Brave (final team to be sold, with GMR Group, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, competing for full ownership)
The Future of The Hundred
The success of this disinvestment process will be crucial for The Hundred’s long-term sustainability. With global cricket investors showing interest, the ECB aims to transform the league into a commercially successful venture similar to the IPL.
While The Hundred has had mixed reactions since its inception, the introduction of private ownership could help boost financial stability, attract better sponsorship deals, and improve player engagement.
Visit the ECB’s official site for updates
