In a significant development for franchise cricket worldwide, Sunrisers Hyderabad, a prominent team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to take full ownership of Northern Superchargers, a franchise competing in England’s The Hundred tournament. This high-profile acquisition, valued at £100 million (approximately ₹1050 crore), marks another major step in the expanding global influence of IPL franchises beyond India and into international T20 leagues.
The Impact on Global Cricket
This acquisition underscores the growing financial and operational strength of IPL teams in global cricket. Over the years, IPL franchises have extended their footprint by acquiring stakes in leagues around the world, including:
Major League Cricket (MLC) – USA
SA20 League – South Africa
ILT20 – UAE
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – West Indies
Now, with IPL teams entering The Hundred, an ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) tournament, their presence in international cricket continues to strengthen, influencing the sport’s commercial and structural evolution.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Global Expansion Strategy
Owned by Sun TV Network, one of India’s largest media conglomerates, Sun-risers Hyderabad has been actively expanding its brand beyond the IPL. The franchise already owns:
Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 (South Africa)
Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL
The decision to invest in Northern Superchargers aligns with their long-term vision of establishing the Sun-risers brand across different cricketing leagues worldwide.
How This Affects The Hundred and English Cricket
Since its launch in 2021, The Hundred has attracted large crowds and strong TV ratings but has struggled financially. The entry of IPL investors, such as Sun-risers Hyderabad, brings new financial backing and strengthens the league’s future. This acquisition could lead to several key developments:
Financial Boost: Sunrisers’ investment provides much-needed stability to The Hundred, ensuring its sustainability.
talent Exchange and Development: Increased IPL involvement could lead to greater player transfers and scouting between India and England.
Enhanced Viewership and Sponsorship: The association of IPL brands with The Hundred could attract more Indian viewers, sponsors, and broadcasting deals, making the tournament more profitable.
Are IPL Franchises Taking Over Global Cricket?
With IPL teams acquiring multiple franchises across different leagues, they now hold a dominant position in the global T20 landscape. Some of the major expansions include:
Mumbai Indians – Own teams in SA20, MLC, and UAE’s ILT20.
Chennai Super Kings – Own Joburg Super Kings in SA20.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Own teams in SA20, CPL, and MLC.
Delhi Capitals – Own Dubai Capitals in ILT20.
These developments suggest that IPL is becoming the financial powerhouse of world cricket, with Indian investors playing a key role in shaping its future.
Conclusion
The £100 million acquisition of Northern Superchargers by Sunrisers Hyderabad is more than just a business move—it signifies a power shift in international cricket. As IPL franchises continue expanding across various leagues, cricket is heading toward a future where Indian ownership and financial backing play a decisive role in the sport’s commercial framework. While this expansion ensures stronger financial stability and talent development, it also raises concerns about whether global cricket will become IPL-dominated or evolve into a more interconnected and competitive structure. The coming years will reveal how this growing influence shapes the game.
“Sun risers Hyderabad acquires Northern Superchargers for £100M, expanding IPL’s global influence. A major move shaping the future of franchise cricket worldwide”.
