Over half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have expressed a formal interest in participating in The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket league governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As the initial round of bidding concluded on October 18, significant attention has been drawn to the involvement of IPL franchises, indicating their desire to expand their global footprint in cricket.
The IPL teams that have actively placed bids include renowned franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals. While official confirmation from all parties is still pending, it has been rumored that Rajasthan Royals and UP Warriorz, the Women’s Premier League team, have also joined the bidding war for ownership in The Hundred. Furthermore, Lancer Capitals, owned by Avram Glazer, who previously owned Manchester United and operates the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, is believed to be among the interested bidders.
Interestingly, these IPL franchises have already established a presence in various international leagues, showcasing their global ambitions. For instance, Kolkata Knight Riders have extended their reach into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and ILT20. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings have made substantial investments in teams within MLC and SA20. The Sunrisers Hyderabad’s affiliate, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, has also made a mark as a serial winner in the SA20 league, which has only held two seasons thus far.
In contrast, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings have chosen not to pursue the opportunity to own a team in The Hundred, opting to remain focused on their existing commitments in the IPL. There is also uncertainty regarding whether the Gujarat Titans, owned by CVC Capital—who have a significant presence in the UK—have submitted a bid.
At this stage, bidders are not required to select any of the eight available teams in The Hundred, with the selection process set for a later phase. The ECB plans to conduct a second, more definitive round of bidding after the IPL auction, which will address various commercial aspects related to the teams. The ECB aims to establish a franchise valuation between £75 million and £100 million, indicating the significant financial stakes involved in this venture.
According to the Information Memorandum released by the ECB, the board currently retains ownership of all rights to The Hundred and its teams but intends to sell up to 49% of each team to new investors. These investors are anticipated to invest between £40 million and £50 million for a 49% stake, translating to approximately ₹400 to ₹500 crore in Indian currency.
The proposed partnership model would see the remaining 51% of each team retained by the counties, fostering a joint venture between the new investors and the counties. Additionally, there is a pathway for new investors to acquire a controlling stake in the future, as the ECB plans to transfer its remaining shares to the host counties, which could subsequently sell a portion of their equity to these new stakeholders.
This development signals a growing interest from Indian franchises in expanding their influence in international cricket, reflecting the increasing globalization of the sport and the financial opportunities it presents. The upcoming rounds of bidding will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike, as they anticipate the potential changes in team ownership and the impact on The Hundred's future.
