Michael Atherton reported in the Times(24th May 2024) that a headline agreement had been reached by the First Class Cricket Counties on how money from a projected sale of stakes in Hundred cricket sides is to be distributed. This involves an outline agreement between Counties that host Hundred teams and those that don’t.
The perspective from the ECB that runs English and Welsh cricket is that money is needed and this year’s Hundred is the focus for getting it. Indeed the ECB are treated it as a showcase for potential investors
Lizzie Ammon back in May provided a breakdown of who might invest, summarised below.
Indian Premier League: several IPL franchises already own sides elsewhere around the globe. The Mumbai Indians are reported to be interested in London Spirit who play at Lords.Meanwhile Rajasthan Royals are looking to buy Yorkshire and Delhi Capitals, Hampshire
US Investors. Some of the T20 World Cup was played in the US and Major League Cricket is taking off. Investors include Adobe and Microsoft. The ECB are also courting NFL owners
Premier League Football Clubs. Several are reportedly interested in football/Hundred tie ups with joint branding and promotion
Saudi Arabia. There is interest but again reportedly its not likely to materialise until 2029 when the Hundred is expected to expand and the Saudis envisage a bid via Newcastle FC. The grimmest of a number of grim options.
This is clearly about money and people making it. About cricket rather less so, although the boost to the women’s game has been huge and welcome, albeit unintentional.
With the Hundred 2024 reaching a conclusion this weekend, reports are that IPL franchises are leading interest to buy into Hundred teams. London Spirit based at Lords is reportedly the most attractive proposition. The ECB seem to accept that even a minority stake will allow an IPL franchise to rebrand the team- Mumbai Indians London is suggested.
If the takeover and reformulating of an important part of British society was taking place elsewhere, the Government would at the very least be reviewing whether it was in the interests of the country. Its time for Culture and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to call this in
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