Co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, GMR Group, made history with the acquisition of Hampshire Cricket, becoming the first international company to buy a share in a county cricket team. The group, headed by Kiran Kumar Grandhi, has agreed to buy 100% of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited, the parent company of Hampshire Cricket. It will be taken over in tranches over 24 months. Established in 1863, the Hampshire Cricket is one of the 18 first-class counties who are affiliated members under the England and Wales Cricket Board. The deal would not change ECB's mind about privatizing The Hundred but it will have a share in it through the Southern Brave team that will represent Hampshire in the league competition of The Hundred. The deal would involve Rs 450 crore as an upfront payment and GMR would adjust 50 million pounds of debt that Hampshire owes to the local council in Southampton. That amounts to approximately Rs 1,300 crore, and will be spread out over time. GMR would also take over the home ground of Hampshire - the Utilita Bowl (previously the Rose Bowl), the golf course next to it, and the Hilton Hotel. The biggest asset sold is the huge plot of land that forms part of the sale. Also Read | 5 Potential Teams Rohit Sharma Can Join In IPL 2025 The Hampshire club's board remains in situ. Rod Bransgrove continues as Group Chairman at least until September 2026, and Group CEO David Mann will stay on board. Alongside GMR, they will continue working on plans for the further development of the club. Granthi said: "We are thrilled to welcome Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to global sports and our belief in the power of cricket to unite people. We look forward to working with the Hampshire team to create a sustainable and successful future for the club." Bransgrove described the deal as the realization of a long-held dream. "This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters. Beyond our team's accomplishments on the field over the past 24 years, we have transformed our stadium into a premier Test Match and events venue and one of the most exceptional cricket and leisure facilities in the country. We have also been pioneers in the development of women's cricket and have consistently innovated throughout our relatively short history."