As per reports, Delhi Capitals In Advanced Talks To Buy Stakes In This English County Side
The franchise of Indian Premier League Delhi Capitals is reportedly eyeing a foothold in English cricket, as it's in "advanced talks" to buy stakes in county side Hampshire. A report said former Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove, who still holds a majority share of the club, is close to agreeing a deal to sell the county side to GMR Group, the co-owners of the Delhi Capitals. As per the report, "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.”
It further said, “If the deal comes to fruition, it will make Hampshire the first county side "to be owned by an overseas franchise.”
The benefits of buying a county side for GMR could include a foothold in the English game, it added.
With the Hundred franchise tournament in England gaining popularity, the deal could give GMR a "first-mover advantage" and also help the IPL franchise "develop its own players.".
The development comes amid reports that the England and Wales Cricket Board is exploring opening up 50 percent stakes in a few hundred teams and giving host counties the option to sell their shares.