IPL Owners Transform UK's 'The Hundred': Strategic Partnerships Announced

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that four Indian Premier League franchise owners have become strategic partners for 'The Hundred,' bringing operational control and substantial financial investment. These partnerships aim to catalyze the growth of cricket across the UK, with pending deals expected to finalize soon.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed today that four IPL franchise owners have been named as strategic partners for 'The Hundred' cricket teams. This development is expected to bring hundreds of millions of pounds into the sport, fostering significant growth.

The partnerships mark a pivotal moment as they represent the first substantial franchise agreements for a UK sports competition. Strategic partners include India's GMR, Sun TV Network Limited, RPSG Group, and Reliance Group, which are expected to gain operational control by October 1 this year.

The ECB said these deals consolidate global expertise from sectors of sport, media, and finance and are set to invest extensively in professional counties and grassroots cricket, furthering the game's development across the UK.

(With inputs from agencies.)