Sat Feb 15 03:43:49 UTC 2025: ## IPL Franchises Invest £300 Million in The Hundred, Boosting Cricket’s Global Reach

**London, UK** – The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has secured a significant £975 million investment in its flagship tournament, The Hundred, through the sale of stakes in eight teams. Four prominent Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have played a key role, contributing nearly £300 million (approximately Rs 3257 crore) – roughly 30% of the total investment.

Reliance Industries (owners of Mumbai Indians), GMR Group (co-owners of Delhi Capitals), RPSG Group (owners of Lucknow Super Giants), and Sun TV Network (owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad) have each acquired stakes in respective franchises: Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Manchester Originals, and Northern Superchargers.

This investment not only provides a substantial financial boost to The Hundred but also raises questions about player participation. Given the absence of Pakistani players in IPL-affiliated leagues, concerns arose regarding their potential inclusion in these newly invested Hundred teams. However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has confirmed that Pakistani players will be welcome.

While acknowledging the BCCI’s stance on Indian player participation in The Hundred, Gould stated that Indian players’ involvement isn’t factored into the current plans. He expressed a desire to see Indian players participate in the future, noting their existing presence in bilateral series and county cricket.

The influx of international investment, particularly from India, is expected to significantly enhance The Hundred’s international broadcast rights and global appeal, according to Gould. The deal marks a significant step in strengthening the financial stability and international profile of English cricket.

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