The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had announced plans to privatize the eight teams in The Hundred, aiming to complete the process before the next edition.
However, according to Vikram Banerjee, ECB’s director of business operations, finding the right partners—who will bring both financial investment and expertise—will take more time.
Currently, counties involved in The Hundred hold 51% ownership, which they can retain or sell, while the ECB controls the remaining 49%, for which they are seeking buyers.
The funds from the sale will be distributed among first-class counties, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and grassroots cricket.
Banerjee emphasized the importance of securing the right partners, even if it delays the process: “The most important thing is we get the right partners. If that takes a bit of time, that’s fine. My priority is to get the right partners to help us grow.”
He added that they hope to complete deals by the 2025 season but will continue managing the teams in the meantime.
In August, The Telegraph reported that the GMR group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, agreed to a £120 million deal to buy Hampshire and 51% of Southern Brave, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Discussions with other foreign investors, including the Sun group (owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad), are ongoing for Northern Superchargers.