The Indian Premier League (IPL) heavyweights Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are locked in a fierce competition to acquire Manchester Originals, a franchise in The Hundred. This move signifies the growing interest of IPL franchises in expanding their influence within the English cricket scene.
The Manchester Originals, currently solely owned by Lancashire, are a prime target for investment due to their unique standing in the league. With IPL franchises like KKR and CSK already boasting a global presence, their potential ownership of the Originals could elevate the profile of The Hundred.
KKR, with its celebrity ownership that includes Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, has already made strides in international cricket leagues like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC). CSK, owned by N Srinivasan, also sees great value in entering the English market as part of its global cricketing ambitions.
Despite criticisms from former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who called The Hundred’s auction process a “Ponzi scheme,” IPL franchises continue to show interest. IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, have also been keen to invest in The Hundred as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) seeks to privatize its eight teams.
With Lancashire’s openness to partnerships with IPL franchises, the battle between KKR and CSK reflects a broader trend of international expansion by India’s top cricket teams.
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