Surrey Retains Majority Stake in Oval Invincibles
Surrey County Cricket Club has confirmed that it will retain its majority stake in Oval Invincibles, the reigning champions of the Men’s Hundred and the most successful team across genders in the tournament’s four-year history. This decision comes in the wake of last month’s equity sale, where Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the owners of the Mumbai Indians, secured a 49% stake in the Invincibles. The auction, which took place on January 30, valued the franchise at £123 million, meaning RIL is expected to pay just over £60 million for their share when the ownership transfer is finalized at the end of 2025. This process will be undertaken through negotiations with RISE Worldwide, a subsidiary of RIL, which has been named as Surrey’s preferred partner for the 2026 season and beyond.
The Global Powerhouse: RIL and Surrey CCC
Reliance Industries Limited, owned by the Ambani family, is widely recognized as one of the most powerful and successful IPL franchises. Surrey, on the other hand, stands as the richest county club in England. This partnership brings together two heavyweights in the cricket world, aiming to leverage their strengths to achieve even greater success. The Invincibles’ men’s and women’s teams will become the sixth and seventh teams associated with RIL, joining an impressive roster that already includes Mumbai Indians (in both the IPL and Women’s Premier League), MI New York (Major League Cricket), MI Cape Town (SA20), and MI Emirates (ILT20). RIL’s track record of winning 11 league titles globally, including at least one in each of the competitions they have entered, makes them an ideal partner for Surrey.
The Auction and Its Impact
RIL had been rumored to be interested in buying a stake in London Spirit, a franchise based at Lord’s, which was eventually secured by a Silicon Valley tech consortium that valued it at £295 million. The Hundred’s equity sale process has been a significant event, with up to five IPL teams expected to be involved by the time it concludes later this month. Last week, the Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad, acquired a 100% stake in Northern Superchargers for £100 million. Meanwhile, Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group, owners of Lucknow Super Giants, is on track to secure a 70% stake in Manchester Originals. The GMR Group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, is widely expected to take a majority stake in Southern Brave, further solidifying the connection between IPL teams and the Hundred franchises.
Surrey’s Vision for the Future
Oli Slipper, the Chair of Surrey CCC, expressed the club’s excitement about this partnership. "We said at the outset that we wanted the best partner to ensure that Surrey continue to lead the way in English cricket and in Mumbai Indians that is what we have got," he said. "They share our passion for cricket, they own the biggest and most successful team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians, and we believe this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our Hundred team." The Ambani family’s global success in business is expected to provide Surrey with off-field benefits, enhancing the club’s financial and operational capabilities. This strategic alliance not only promises to strengthen the Invincibles’ position in the Hundred but also to elevate Surrey’s profile on the international stage.
A Proud Moment for RIL
Mrs. Nita M Ambani, the Owner of Mumbai Indians, echoed Slipper’s sentiments, emphasizing the unifying power of cricket. "Cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that unites people across geographies and cultures. Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment," she stated. The significance of England in cricket’s rich history and the iconic status of The Oval, which has hosted some of the sport’s most memorable moments, add an emotional and cultural dimension to this partnership. "England, with its rich cricketing culture, has always been special to the game. To have the iconic Oval, which has witnessed some of cricket’s greatest moments, as our home venue is truly special," added Akash Ambani, Owner of Mumbai Indians.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Cricket
As the negotiations with RISE Worldwide progress, the partnership between Surrey and RIL is poised to usher in a new era of cricket in England. The Invincibles, known for their competitive spirit and success, will now benefit from the extensive experience and resources of the Mumbai Indians. This collaboration is expected to foster innovation, enhance player development, and attract more fans to the game. The synergy between these two influential entities could redefine the landscape of the Hundred and set new standards for cricket franchises in the UK. The future looks bright, and cricket enthusiasts both in England and India are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of this groundbreaking partnership.
