The owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to take full control of Northern Superchargers, providing a major financial boost to Yorkshire and expanding the Indian Premier League’s footprint in the Hundred.
Sun Group secured the winning bid, valuing the Headingley-based franchise at £100m. This acquisition marks a significant milestone as they become the first investors in the Hundred to purchase an entire franchise, acquiring both the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) 49% stake and Yorkshire’s 51% share.
Yorkshire confirmed they have entered a period of exclusivity with Sun Group for the sale of shares in the Superchargers. A finalized deal would offer much-needed financial relief to the county, which has been struggling with debt. The club’s chairman previously pushed for demutualization to secure its financial future, as over £20m is owed to the Graves family. However, those plans were recently put on hold to focus on the Hundred auction, with Sunrisers emerging as a potential buyer.
The county’s chief executive expressed optimism about the deal, stating that ongoing discussions have reinforced Sun Group’s alignment with the values and future direction of the club. The move is expected to position Northern Superchargers and Yorkshire Cricket for long-term success. While the announcement marks a major step, legal processes and due diligence remain before the contract is finalized.
The acquisition reflects the growing involvement of IPL franchise owners in the Hundred. So far, three of the six teams in the sales process have attracted investment from IPL-associated groups. Reliance, which owns Mumbai Indians, secured a stake in Oval Invincibles, while RPSG Group, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants, invested in Manchester Originals. Additionally, GMR Group, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, took control of Southern Brave.
With Trent Rockets still up for sale, the auction process continues, though the date for bidding remains uncertain.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, winners of one IPL title, bring a wealth of expertise in creating high-performance teams and strong brand engagement. They also own Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the dominant force in South Africa’s SA20, having won the tournament’s first two editions. Their experience in team management, marketing, and digital strategy is expected to elevate Northern Superchargers and Yorkshire Cricket in the coming years.
This development highlights the increasing influence of global franchise cricket, with IPL investors playing a pivotal role in reshaping the Hundred. The financial injection from Sun Group could help stabilize Yorkshire’s finances, while their expertise may provide a competitive edge for Northern Superchargers in future editions of the tournament.
