New Delhi: RPSG Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate, has made a significant move in the world of cricket by acquiring a 70% majority stake in the Manchester Originals, one of the franchises of England’s short-format competition, The Hundred. The deal, valued at a substantial £80 million, marks another major step in RPSG’s strategic growth plan, further establishing its presence in global cricket. This acquisition is a part of the group’s ongoing expansion into various sports, including its ownership of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Durban Super Giants in South Africa’s T20 league.
RPSG’s Growth Strategy and Vision for the Future
The inclusion of Manchester Originals into RPSG’s already expansive portfolio of league teams is an integral part of the company’s “growth strategy,” as outlined by RPSG Vice-Chairman, Shashwat Goenka. He emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating that it would contribute to RPSG’s increasing footprint in international cricket. The move signals the group’s ambition to become a significant player in the cricketing world, capitalizing on the growing global popularity of leagues like The Hundred.
Dream of an IPL-The Hundred Showdown
While acknowledging the current challenges in cricket’s global structure, Shashwat Goenka shared a hopeful vision for the future. He hinted at a possible showdown between the future champions of the IPL and The Hundred winners, envisioning this as a monumental event for cricket. While this concept remains a distant dream, Goenka believes that such a fixture could elevate the game to unprecedented levels, offering fans a thrilling clash between two of the world’s premier leagues.
Key Discussions Around the Acquisition
Several important topics were discussed during the official announcement of RPSG’s acquisition of Manchester Originals in Manchester. England opener Phil Salt and Lancashire County Cricket Club board member, James Sheridan, addressed the idea of a global contract that could bind players to a single club year-round. Although this concept was seen as a long shot, both Salt and Sheridan agreed that uniform regulations would be necessary to make it a reality. The idea of year-round contracts, while exciting, is still far from being feasible as the game is not yet structured to support such arrangements.
The Historic Investment in The Hundred Franchise
In a landmark move for both RPSG Group and the world of cricket, the conglomerate acquired a 70% stake in the Manchester Originals, one of the key teams in The Hundred competition. This acquisition was made for an eye-watering £80 million, signaling RPSG’s serious investment in the future of The Hundred and its ongoing growth. This deal adds to the company’s rapidly expanding cricket empire and further cements its commitment to shaping the future of the game.
RPSG’s Focus on Expanding Global Influence
Sanjiv Goenka, the head of RPSG Group, has been instrumental in the group’s expansion into global cricket. With the acquisition of Manchester Originals, RPSG strengthens its presence in England, adding to its impressive portfolio of cricket teams. The group’s vision is to create a network of successful franchises across various leagues, thereby growing its influence in both Indian and international cricket. The Manchester Originals acquisition is another step towards achieving that vision, as RPSG looks to leverage its resources and expertise to build a legacy in global cricket.
The Future of Manchester Originals Under RPSG’s Ownership
With RPSG now in control of Manchester Originals, the franchise is set to enter an exciting new chapter. RPSG’s experience in sports management, coupled with its commitment to excellence, is expected to bring new opportunities for the team. As The Hundred continues to grow in popularity, Manchester Originals will have the resources and backing to compete at the highest levels. The team, which already boasts a loyal fanbase, will aim to enhance its performance and engagement, bringing even more excitement to the competition.
About The Author
