
In a significant development for the world of cricket, Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) have made their mark in the Hundred franchise by agreeing to a deal with Manchester Originals. The RPSG group, which owns the Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has acquired a 49% stake in the Manchester Originals franchise, marking a major step in the global expansion of the Hundred.
This deal, valued at approximately £58 million, has elevated the Manchester Originals to new heights and is set to change the dynamics of cricket in the region. The total valuation of Manchester Originals was placed at around £116 million during the virtual auction held on Monday. This partnership between Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and the Manchester Originals is part of a broader movement where several IPL teams are acquiring stakes in The Hundred teams, signifying the growing influence of Indian cricket in global competitions.
The Rise of IPL Influence in The Hundred
The acquisition of a 49% stake in Manchester Originals by Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) is not an isolated incident. The increasing presence of IPL teams in The Hundred competition is reshaping the landscape of T20 cricket. This marks the second instance of an IPL team entering into a partnership with a franchise in The Hundred, after Lancashire’s partnership with the Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG). The deal between Lancashire and RPSG had been highly anticipated, with Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) emerging as the preferred bidder for the franchise.
As cricket continues to evolve, the influence of IPL franchises is expanding well beyond the borders of India. The Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG)’s involvement in The Hundred is a testament to the growing global interest in the format. This move is not just a business venture but a strategic partnership that will likely shape the future of the competition.
Terms of the Deal: A Strategic Move for RPSG and Manchester Originals
The deal between Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and Manchester Originals is significant in several ways. With the RPSG group now holding a 49% stake in the Originals, it is clear that the group intends to make a long-term investment in the team. The £58 million investment is a clear sign of RPSG’s commitment to enhancing the team’s profile and ensuring its future success in the competition.
RPSG’s decision to invest in the Manchester Originals franchise was driven by a desire to create a competitive team that can contend for titles in The Hundred. Daniel Gidney, the CEO of Lancashire, expressed the importance of securing a strong partner for the franchise. Gidney explained, “We have been very focused on securing a great partner – ideally from the IPL – and Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) has been our preferred bidder for some time.”
This partnership aligns perfectly with RPSG’s vision to expand their global reach and create a “very special cricket team” for the people of Manchester and the wider North West region. The shared ambition between RPSG and Lancashire is to make the Manchester Originals a formidable force in The Hundred, with hopes of creating an exciting future for the franchise.
The Growth of IPL’s Global Presence
The investment by Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) is part of a larger trend in which IPL teams are increasingly eyeing stakes in international leagues and competitions. This is not just about investing in franchises but about expanding the influence of Indian cricket on the global stage. The acquisition of stakes in franchises such as Manchester Originals allows IPL teams like the Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) to build a strong presence and capitalize on the growing global interest in T20 cricket.
Following this, Surrey negotiated a £60 million price with the owners of Mumbai Indians for a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles. Likewise, Warwickshire and Glamorgan both agreed to sell a 49% share in their respective teams, Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire, to external investors. These moves highlight the increasing global interest in The Hundred, particularly from the IPL franchises, as they look to extend their influence beyond domestic cricket competitions.
The IPL’s Impact on The Hundred’s Growth
The IPL’s increasing involvement in The Hundred has already made an impact on the competition’s growth and popularity. The involvement of high-profile IPL teams such as Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and Mumbai Indians gives The Hundred more global recognition, attracting a wider audience from both domestic and international markets. As more IPL teams invest in The Hundred, the competition stands to gain an influx of top-tier talent, which would undoubtedly enhance the quality of the matches and the overall appeal of the competition.
The entry of Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) into Manchester Originals brings with it not only financial resources but also expertise in T20 cricket. The insights and strategies that the RPSG group brings from their successful tenure in the IPL can benefit Manchester Originals in terms of player recruitment, coaching, and tactical approaches.
The Bigger Picture: IPL’s Global Expansion
The increasing involvement of IPL teams in global cricket leagues like The Hundred is part of the larger trend of IPL’s global expansion. The RPSG group’s investment in The Hundred reflects the growing ambition of IPL teams to build a global cricketing empire. With IPL’s T20 format proving to be immensely successful, the involvement of IPL franchises in other cricket leagues helps strengthen their position and influence in the global cricketing ecosystem.
For Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG), this partnership with Manchester Originals represents an opportunity to not only expand the franchise’s brand but also create a deeper connection with cricket fans worldwide. It is also an investment in the future of The Hundred, which continues to grow in stature as one of the premier T20 competitions in the world.
Financial Implications and Future Investments

The sale of 49% stakes in multiple Hundred teams has generated significant revenue for the teams involved. With Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) investing £58 million into Manchester Originals, the total value of the stake sales for the five teams in The Hundred has reached around £343 million. The sale of these stakes reflects the growing financial clout of the competition, as well as the increasing interest from global investors and franchises in investing in these teams.
The financial windfall generated by these investments also signals a new era for The Hundred, with the potential for continued growth in the years to come. The competition’s expansion into new markets and its increasing association with IPL teams will likely lead to greater financial returns, attracting even more investors and sponsors.
What’s Next for The Hundred and Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG)?
As Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and Manchester Originals join forces, it is likely that more such partnerships will emerge in the future, both within The Hundred and other T20 competitions. These deals are paving the way for a more globalized cricket ecosystem, where franchises from different countries can collaborate and share their knowledge to build more competitive and exciting teams.
Moving forward, the focus will be on making these partnerships a success both on and off the field. For Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG), the next step will be to work closely with Manchester Originals to ensure that the team has the resources, coaching, and infrastructure needed to perform at a high level. This partnership is likely to have a lasting impact on the competition and may inspire further collaborations between IPL franchises and other cricket teams globally.
Conclusion: The Future of Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and The Hundred
The deal between Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) and Manchester Originals represents a significant shift in the way T20 cricket is being played and marketed globally. The increasing involvement of IPL teams in competitions like The Hundred is indicative of a growing trend of international collaboration in the sport.
With Lucknow Super Giants (RPSG) now having a 49% stake in the Manchester Originals, both the franchise and the competition are set for an exciting future. This partnership is likely to lead to stronger performances, a larger fanbase, and increased financial backing. As the competition continues to grow, so too will the influence of IPL teams, ensuring that the Hundred remains at the forefront of global T20 cricket.
