GMR likely to propose three-year ownership cycle for Delhi Capitals

Dual ownership of the Delhi Capitals could shift to a three-year cycle for each stakeholder instead of the current two-year arrangement. The proposal, understood to have originated from the GMR Group side, aims to ensure greater continuity in the franchise’s functioning, sources told CricBlogger.

The Jindal Group, the co-owner of the franchise (50 per cent each), is expected to deliberate on the proposal once the ongoing season concludes.

Despite being one of the original eight franchises, Delhi Capitals continue to struggle to find the right combination and are yet to win an IPL title. While Punjab Kings find themselves in a similar position historically, they have delivered far more consistent performances over the last couple of years.

Sources indicate that the proposal could be taken up for discussion depending on Delhi’s chances of finishing in the top four — a scenario that, at present, appears unlikely even this season. That said, preliminary discussions have already begun, keeping in mind a potential three-year cycle aligned with the gap between mega auctions.

Whether the Jindal Group — which is set to take operational control of the team next year as the GMR Group steps into the background for the following cycle — agrees to the proposal remains to be seen. However, the suggested change could bring a degree of stability to the franchise.

Under the current model, the progress made during one ownership phase is often disrupted when control shifts, with a new set of ideas and strategies coming into play.

Incidentally, whenever the GMR Group has overseen the team’s operations, Delhi Capitals have largely struggled. In contrast, the franchise has reached the knock-out stages on multiple occasions when the Jindal Group has been in charge. It may well be a coincidence, but the pattern is hard to ignore.