The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced significant strategic partnerships with four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners for The Hundred, its 100-ball cricket competition. The partners will assume operational control of their teams from October 1, 2025. The move is expected to inject hundreds of millions of pounds into English cricket at both professional and grassroots levels. The announced partners include GMR, Sun TV Network, RPSG Group, and Reliance Industries. Other international investors, such as Tech Titans, Knighthead Capital Management, Washington Freedom, Cain International, and Ares Management, are also joining the initiative. The ECB will remain the owner of the competition, ensuring control over key decisions. A new governing board will be formed to oversee strategy and commercial development. ECB Chairman Richard Thompson expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for growth in English cricket.
