Delhi Capitals poised to acquire Hampshire in £120 million deal: report

In a landmark move, the owners of the Delhi Capitals are reportedly nearing a £120 million ($153 million) acquisition of Hampshire County Cricket Club, which would make them the first overseas franchise to own an English first-class county. 

According to media reports, the GMR Group, co-owners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, are in "advanced" negotiations with the south coast club.

BBC sources revealed on Friday that GMR's talks with Hampshire are progressing well. Despite some UK national press reports suggesting the deal is already finalized, BBC Radio Solent confirmed that no contract has been signed yet, though an agreement is close.

However, the purchase of Hampshire by GMR must receive approval from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The Daily Telegraph added that the proposed deal might also include GMR acquiring a 51 percent stake in the Southern Brave, a team in the controversial Hundred competition headquartered at Hampshire's Rose Bowl. 

This could potentially allow GMR to take full control of the Brave when the ECB sells its 49 percent share of the eight Hundred franchises by the end of the year.

Hampshire, unlike most of England's 18 first-class counties, is no longer a members-owned club. The majority shareholder is businessman Rod Bransgrove, who took over in 2000 when the club was near bankruptcy. 

Bransgrove, who invested approximately £15 million ($19 million) of his own money into the club, facilitated Hampshire's move from their historic home at Northlands Road in Southampton to the modern Rose Bowl on the city's outskirts.

Bransgrove, now 74, has presided over a successful period for Hampshire, marked by several limited-overs trophies and the signing of notable overseas players, including the late Australian legend Shane Warne, who captained the team. 

In 2023, Bransgrove announced he would be stepping down after 23 years as chairman following the news that Hampshire would host an Ashes Test in 2027, fulfilling one of his long-held ambitions for the club.