MI want London Spirit or Oval Invincibles, RCB shows no interest as bidding process starts

The bidding process is expected to end before the next Hundred season which generally starts in late July.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has started the process of equity sale of The Hundred franchises. The three-round bidding process will start today (October 18) with all the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams barring the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) interested. But it isn’t just IPL franchises; Premier League and NFL team owners and even Hollywood celebrities are interested in acquiring a 49% stake in each of the eight franchises.

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According to the Times of India, the Mumbai Indians (MI) are looking to buy a 49% stake in the London Spirit or the Oval Invincibles. Both of these teams have a base in London, and it seems that aligns with MI’s plans. Previously it was reported that they’d go after the London Spirit, but it turns out there was a conversation with both Hundred teams. If the deal comes through, the Mumbai Indians would have teams in four franchise leagues. They already have their presence in the SA20 (MI Cape Town), Major League Cricket (MI New York), and ILT20 (MI Emirates).

RCB says no to the Hundred

United Spirits, the owners of the RCB, aren’t interested in getting involved with the Hundred. For now, they seem stultified with their IPL and Women’s Premier League teams. The Torrent Group, which acquired a majority stake in the Gujarat Titans (GT), isn’t interested either, but CVC Capital Partners, who are now the minority partner in GT, are interested.

DC, RR, LSG, SRH: All interested

GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals (DC), acquired the majority share in Hampshire last month and would like to acquire the Southern Brave. They already own the Utilita Bowl (South Bowl) Ground, the Hilton hotel, and the 18-hole golf course, so buying the Southern Brave makes sense.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants had all tried to buy Yorkshire Cricket Club not too long ago, and it might not be a shock that they go for the Northern Superchargers. LSG had also previously shown interest in the Manchester Originals and, like MI, could want one or the other team.