Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals are reportedly, in advanced talks with English County side Hampshire over a stake acquisition. Formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, the GMR Group-owned side will expand the ownership of the Hampshire, thereby making the English side the first ever club to be owned by an overseas franchise.
As reported by Daily Telegraph, the former Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove and the GMR Group are in progressive talks over the matter. Inspite of being the former chairman, Rod Bransgrove still owns majority of owership of the English County side.
"Hampshire County Cricket Club's majority shareholder is in advanced talks to sell his stake to the part-owners of Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals," read the statement reported by Daily Telegraph.
Delhi Capitals-Hampshire Stake Acquisition Merger To Be A Landmark
If the deal comes through, it'll be landmark statement in terms of defining the next generation of cricket as the merger will act as a potential development platform for players from either of the countries in each other's territory. Formats like The Hundred, Vitality Blast can see some Indian faces in contention for the spot and develop their overseas temperament, line and length etc.
Hampshire has previously associated with an IPL club, and that was Rajasthan Royals back in 2010, which lased till 2013. They played under the name of Hampshire Royals during that time period. However, the nature of the agreement was a partnership and not ownership, so the potential merger with Delhi Capitals will be the first of its kind.
It is also reported that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is open to the idea of foreign investment into their domestic cicuit as they are opening up to 50 percent stakes in a few Hundred teams.
Hampshire won't be the only side the GMR Group has their investment in. They own Dubai Capitals in the UAE's ILT20, and have a share acquisition in USA's Major League Cricket side Seattle Orcas.