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KKR And CSK Owners Battle To Acquire Manchester Originals In The Hundred Sale

Manchester Originals [Source: @thehundred/X.com]Manchester Originals [Source: @thehundred/X.com]

The world of cricket is witnessing an exciting twist as two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), enter a fierce contest to buy The Hundred franchise, Manchester Originals. This move comes amidst growing interest from IPL franchises in the English cricket scene. The Manchester Originals are unique in the league as they are solely owned by Lancashire, making them a hot target for investment from Indian teams.

KKR And CSK Eye Manchester Originals

Reports of KKR and CSK's interest come on the heels of former IPL chairman Lalit Modi's sharp criticism of The Hundred’s auction process, labeling it a "big fat Ponzi scheme." Despite this, KKR and CSK, both heavyweights in the IPL, have their sights set on expanding into the English league. 

Kolkata Knight Riders, with their glamorous ownership that includes Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, have already made waves in international leagues like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC). Adding Manchester Originals to their portfolio could bring a new level of stardom to The Hundred.

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings, owned by billionaire N Srinivasan, a key figure in Indian cricket governance, also sees immense value in entering the English market. Both teams are well-established in the IPL and have the financial muscle to pull off a successful bid.

Lancashire’s Open Arms for IPL Partnerships

Lancashire’s chief executive, Daniel Gidney, has openly expressed his desire to collaborate with an IPL franchise, seeing it as a pathway to further grow the game and boost The Hundred's profile. He previously revealed that all 10 IPL franchises have shown interest in acquiring a stake in the English cricket system.

Though Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were initially in talks, the spotlight is now firmly on KKR and CSK, both of whom have already made their mark globally.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has set its sights on privatizing The Hundred by selling stakes in its eight teams. Several IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, are reportedly keen to invest. With KKR and CSK already positioned as two of the most valuable franchises in IPL, their interest in Manchester Originals reflects the broader trend of IPL owners seeking international expansion.