The competitive race to own franchises in England’s popular Hundred cricket tournament(IPL) has reached its final stage.

Prominent IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and the GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, are now vying for ownership.

Joining them is a global tech consortium featuring executives from Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The spotlight is on two London-based teams, the Oval Invincibles and the London Spirit, which have garnered considerable attention. Among the bidders, the Mumbai Indians and the tech consortium are competing to secure the Oval Invincibles, leveraging their global brand presence and deep resources.

Adding to the intrigue, Lancer Capital, led by Avram Glazer, the co-owner of Manchester United, has also expressed strong interest in owning one or both of the London-based franchises. Glazer’s presence underscores the growing convergence between cricket and global sports investors, signaling the increasing commercial value of the sport.

The Hundred’s appeal lies in its innovative format and growing audience, which offers potential franchise owners a chance to tap into a lucrative cricketing market. For IPL teams, this represents an opportunity to expand their brand presence globally, while for tech giants, it’s a move to diversify their investments and connect with a broader audience.
With the final shortlist now in place, the decision on ownership is expected to shape the future dynamics of cricket leagues worldwide, blending the worlds of sports, business, and technology.

Key Highlights:

• IPL giants MI, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and GMR Group have advanced to the final stage of bidding for Hundred franchise teams.
• A tech consortium with leaders from Google, Microsoft, and Adobe is competing for the Oval Invincibles.
• Lancer Capital, led by Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, has shown interest in both Oval Invincibles and London Spirit.
• The Hundred’s innovative format and global appeal have attracted top bidders from sports and tech industries.