Hampshire Cricket confirm GMR Group takeover

Hampshire County Cricket Club has confirmed a takeover agreement with Delhi Capitals owner GMR Group.

The phased acquisition will see the Indian group become a majority owner in the club, before acquiring full ownership over the next the next two years.

According to numerous UK media reports in August, GMR and Hampshire came to terms on a takeover worth £120m, which reportedly covered the club’s debts of £60m.

GMR now becomes the first overseas owner in an English cricket county cricket team.

Following the takeover, Hampshire’s current leadership will remain in-place, including Group Chairman Rod Bransgrove, and CEO David Mann, who will collaborate closely with the GMR’s parent company GGPL to implement short, medium and long-term growth strategies for the club.

“This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters,” Bransgrove said.

“After a thorough selection process, we chose GGPL as our partners due to their shared values and commitment to our vision.

“We believe GGPL is the perfect organisation, with the right people, to build on our proud legacy.

“Becoming the first English cricket club to join an international cricket group will open exciting new opportunities as we embrace the globalization of this great sport.”

Grandhi Kiran Kumar, Corporate Chairman of GMR Group, added,“With this acquisition, along with our investments in the US, Dubai, and India, GMR is focused on engaging and connecting with the global youth.

“Our vision is to transform sports into a platform that unites people and cultures, drives global excellence, and nurtures the creation of future world champions.”