Lancashire’s new partnership with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners RPSG Group aims to make Manchester Originals a major force in English cricket, competing with football giants Manchester United and Manchester City in “the UK’s number one sporting city.”
RPSG Group, which owns the Lucknow Super Giants, has acquired a 70% stake in Manchester Originals for approximately £80 million ($101 million). This deal is part of a broader investment wave expected to inject over £520 million into English domestic cricket, with Lancashire receiving an immediate £25 million boost.
Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney expressed excitement over the partnership, emphasizing Manchester’s status as a global sporting powerhouse. “We want Manchester Originals to become the third-biggest sports team in the city and challenge United and City,” he said.
RPSG Vice-Chairman Shashwat Goenka, speaking from Kolkata, highlighted the global appeal of cricket and Manchester as a sporting hub. While initially targeting London Spirit, RPSG ultimately secured the Originals, calling it “a formidable partnership.”
England batter Phil Salt believes this investment could elevate The Hundred into one of the world’s leading franchise cricket tournaments, much like the IPL. “Our ambition is to bring the world’s best cricket to Manchester,” he stated.
