RPSG Group Strengthens Global Cricket Presence with Manchester Originals Stake

In a significant move within franchise cricket, RPSG Group, the owners of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has secured a substantial stake in Manchester Originals, a franchise in The Hundred, England’s fast-paced 100-ball cricket competition. This investment, valued at approximately £116 million, stands as one of the most notable entries by an Indian business conglomerate into an overseas cricket league. Significance of the Investment This acquisition bolsters RPSG’s expanding influence in global franchise cricket, adding to its portfolio of teams across multiple leagues: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – IPL (India) Durban’s Super Giants – SA20 (South Africa) Manchester Originals – The Hundred (England) [New Investment] By making this move, RPSG joins an elite group of IPL franchise owners with a presence in at least three prominent short-format leagues. This strategy aligns with the ongoing trend of Indian corporate expansion into global cricket markets, mirroring investments by Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in various international leagues. Impact on The Hundred and English Cricket Introduced in 2021 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Hundred has rapidly gained popularity due to its fast-paced nature and city-based franchises. The Manchester Originals, one of the eight teams in the competition, represents Manchester and has shown impressive performances in past editions. With RPSG’s investment, the franchise is expected to benefit in multiple ways: Enhanced Financial Stability – Increased funding to attract world-class talent. Stronger Indian Market Integration – Leverage LSG’s fan-base to boost viewership and engagement. Improved Branding and Commercial Appeal – Utilize RPSG’s experience in running successful cricket franchises. The Rising Influence of IPL Owners in Global Leagues RPSG’s entry into The Hundred reflects a growing trend where IPL franchises extend their reach beyond India. Several teams have already made strategic investments in overseas leagues: Mumbai Indians – MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20) Kolkata Knight Riders – Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20) Chennai Super Kings – Texas Super Kings (MLC) By tapping into the English cricket market, RPSG is set to further integrate Indian cricket’s commercial strength with global franchise competitions. What Lies Ahead? The deal is expected to be finalized ahead of the 2025 season of The Hundred, with RPSG likely to contribute to team management, sponsorship deals, and global fan engagement strategies. This investment could also open doors for other Indian-owned franchises to expand into The Hundred, following their successes in SA20 (South Africa) and ILT20 (UAE). This move signifies a pivotal moment in the globalization of T20 and short-format cricket, RPSG’s strategic move highlights India’s rising influence in the international cricket economy. Indian investors continuing to shape the sport’s commercial landscape. “RPSG Group acquires a stake in Manchester Originals of The Hundred for £116M, expanding its global cricket presence alongside IPL and SA20 investments”.