Richard Thompson, the ECB chair, previously stated he did not want the Hundred sale to become “an IPL takeover” and should be satisfied with the outcome after Birmingham Phoenix (Knighthead Capital), Welsh Fire (Tech entrepreneur Sanjay Govil), London Spirit (Silicon Valley consortium) and Trent Rockets (Cain) all attracted investment from elsewhere.
But after a 49% stake in Trent Rockets was secured by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly’s Cain International on Tuesday for a tick under £40m, the overall valuation of the eight teams is likely to be approaching a combined £1bn.
Investor Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, a Silicon Valley consortium, bought 49% for £144m.
Investor GMR Group, Hampshire majority shareholders and co-owners of Delhi Capitals, bought the ECB's 49% stake.
As expected, Hampshire’s owners GMR Group – co-owners of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League – have secured the 49% stake that was on offer from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
