Lancashire Officials Downplay Consolation Prize Label for Manchester Originals
Lancashire officials have downplayed the notion that the RPSG Group’s acquisition of 70% stake in Manchester Originals could be seen as a consolation prize. The RPSG Group, which runs the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, finalised the deal after failing to secure a minority share in the London Spirit. Lancashire had shortlisted four bidders, including Reliance (owners of Mumbai Indians), who were removed from contention after winning a stake in Oval Invincibles. Despite the setback with London Spirit, the RPSG Group remained enthusiastic about their new partnership with Manchester. Shashwat Goenka, vice-chairman of RPSG, emphasized the club’s "huge potential" and expressed optimism about the partnership. "Lord’s is Lord’s, but Manchester is Manchester," he said, highlighting the unique appeal of the Manchester franchise.
Details of the Bidding Process and RPSG’s Commitment
The RPSG Group’s bid for Manchester Originals came three days after they lost a three-hour bidding war for London Spirit, which reached an astronomical £295 million. Instead, they secured Originals at a more modest valuation of £116 million. Lancashire officials have been clear that the RPSG Group had been their preferred partner for a considerable period. James Sheridan, chair of the Originals, downplayed the significance of the failed bid in London, stating, "It doesn’t concern us. We’ve had some amazing conversations… We’re not concerned. We’ve got 100 percent, total confidence that RPSG is in the right place." The relationship between the RPSG Group and Lancashire has been cordial and productive, with both parties eager to build a strong partnership. ESPNcricinfo revealed last year that RPSG officials had visited Manchester during the Hundred, while Lancashire sent a delegation to Kolkata, where RPSG is based, last year.
Financial and Strategic Implications for Lancashire
Lancashire has opted to retain a 30% stake in the Manchester Originals while selling a significant portion to the RPSG Group. This decision will allow the club to pay down its debt and invest in infrastructure projects, including the development of a second home venue in Farington, near Preston. Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s chief executive, envisions a future where the Manchester franchise can compete with the city’s two Premier League football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. "We’ve talked about Manchester being probably the UK’s number one sporting city… We want the Manchester franchise in the Hundred to become the third-biggest sports team in Manchester and challenge those two [United and City]." The ambitious goal underscores the potential and scale of the partnership, as both parties aim to inject the passion and energy of Indian cricket into Manchester and Lancashire.
Expected Name Change and Future Prospects
While not officially confirmed, it is widely expected that the franchise will be renamed Manchester Super Giants from 2026, following the trend set by teams in the IPL and SA20. The RPSG Group also owns Mohun Bagan, a Kolkata-based football club that competes in the Indian Super League. The arrival of four IPL owners in the Hundred has sparked speculation about the possibility of Indian male cricketers participating in the tournament. However, this remains unlikely in the short term due to the BCCI’s current policies. "If you could get Rishabh Pant playing in the Hundred, you’d have a lot more eyeballs on what’s going on," Sheridan said. "But we all know that the BCCI doesn’t allow that to happen at the moment… I don’t think that is likely to change anytime soon." Despite this, the partnership is expected to bring significant benefits to the Originals, fostering growth and enhancing the tournament’s profile.
Player and Club Perspectives on the Partnership
Players like Phil Salt and Beth Mooney, who have both been retained for the 2025 season, are optimistic about the partnership’s impact. "There’s definitely a new level for this tournament to find," Salt said. "At the inception of the IPL, their ambition was to bring the world’s best tournament that we’ve ever seen… We sit here today knowing full well that our ambition is to bring the world’s best cricket to Manchester." Mooney, speaking from Vadodara shortly before playing for Gujarat Giants, added, "The IPL changed the landscape of men’s cricket, and we’re seeing that starting to happen with the WPL heading into its third season… The exciting part of the Hundred is that it’s only going to get bigger and better." Their enthusiasm reflects the broader excitement about the future of the tournament and the potential for growth under the new partnership.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Manchester Originals
The partnership between the RPSG Group and Manchester Originals marks a significant milestone for both the club and the Hundred tournament. The RPSG Group’s commitment to developing a deep bond with the club, combined with Lancashire’s strategic vision and financial investments, sets the stage for a bright and ambitious future. The franchise’s potential to become a major sporting force in Manchester, along with the possibility of increased international visibility, underscores the transformative impact of this partnership. As both parties look to the future, the Manchester Originals are well-positioned to become a premier destination for world-class cricket, resonating with fans both in the UK and beyond.
