In a landmark deal, Hampshire Sport & Leisure Group signed a deal with GMR Group-Delhi Capitals co-owners. The Hampshire Country Club became the first English county club with overseas ownership.
Via sources, the parent company of GMR Group, GGPL owned by Kiran Kumar Granthi will hold the 53% stake in Hampshire and the rest will be owned in the next 24 months. This means in the next two years the Indian company will own a 100% stake in the Hampshire Sport & Leisure Group.
In an interview, Kiran Kumar Granthi said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to global sports and our belief in the power of cricket to unite people. We look forward to working with the Hampshire team to create a sustainable and successful future for the club.”
Founded in 1863, Hampshire Cricket Club was previously owned by Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited. The club is also part of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), one of 18 First Class counties. However, it is not clear whether GMR Group will hold a grip on the Southern Brave team in The Hundred or not.
GMR Sports and Hampshire Sports sign definitive acquisition agreement marking the start of a significant strategic partnership! More details here – https://t.co/3dbRrevxGU pic.twitter.com/mwB7XGqOrx
— GMR SPORTS (@sports_gmr) September 30, 2024
This is the first time that any English Cricket County Club has acquired an overseas ownership. This deal will definitely set a new milestone in the sports of the ECB.
