CSK, MI, SRH And KKR To Lead Bids In The Hundred Stake Sale

Sakshi Sharma

New update ahead of IPL 2025 - (Source: @MufaddalVohra/X.com)New update ahead of IPL 2025 - (Source: @MufaddalVohra/X.com)

In a significant development, several prominent Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have expressed interest in acquiring stakes in The Hundred, operated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As the first round of bids closed on October 18, most of those expressing interest were Indian investors led by well-known IPL teams.

IPL Franchises Express Interest In The Hundred

According to the reports of Cricbuzz, franchises such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals have all submitted bids. In addition, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also understood to have joined the bidding. 

Beyond IPL teams, UP Warriorz, a Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise owned by Dubai-based Capri Global Group, has reportedly thrown its hat into the ring. 

RCB And PBKS Likely To Opt Out From Bidding

However, not all IPL franchises have chosen to participate. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have opted out of this initial round. The participation of Gujarat Titans (GT) remains unclear, though their parent company, CVC Capital, could potentially place them in the running for future bids. 

It is important to note that, the bidding pool has also attracted international interest, including from Avram Glazer's Lancer Capitals, the co-owner of Manchester United and operator of the Desert Vipers team in the International League T20 (ILT20). This signals a broadening of the competition’s appeal beyond traditional cricketing markets.

The ECB's plan is to sell at least 49% of each of the eight teams in The Hundred, with a valuation of between £75 million and £100 million anticipated during the second round of bidding. 

Investment Details And Future Prospects

Investors seeking to acquire a 49% share in a team are expected to invest between £40 million and £50 million. The remaining 51% will be retained by the counties, creating a joint venture with the new stakeholders. The second round of bidding, set to occur after the IPL auction, will see investors select a team and engage in deeper commercial negotiations.

As The Hundred looks to attract global interest and fresh investment, the involvement of IPL franchises could further boost the profile of the competition, positioning it for greater growth in the international cricket landscape.