The Hundred Set for Transformation: IPL Owners Invest in English Cricket

In a landmark move, The Hundred, England’s 100-ball cricket tournament, has secured strategic partnerships with several IPL franchise owners. The ECB confirmed that GMR, Sun TV Network, RPSG Group, and Reliance Industries are among the investors, who will take charge of their respective teams starting October 1, 2025. These partnerships are poised to bring a substantial financial boost, with hundreds of millions of pounds earmarked for English cricket, including grassroots development. The ECB stated that these partnerships represent the first time a UK sporting competition has secured franchise partnerships on this scale. A new governing board will be established, while the ECB will retain ownership of the competition, ensuring control over critical aspects. Richard Thompson, ECB Chairman, lauded the global interest, viewing it as a significant step towards realizing English cricket’s potential.