Can IPL-Linked Investment via The Hundred Rescue Struggling English County Cricket Clubs?
A £520 million equity sale from The Hundred franchises—backed by IPL and U.S. investors—is set to financially bolster struggling English county clubs. But experts warn that strategic oversight is essential to prevent inequality and ensure long-term viability
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Counties in England and Wales are hoping that the £520 million raised from selling equity stakes in The Hundred franchises will be the financial lifeline they so urgently need . While the top three counties—Surrey, Lancashire, and Warwickshire—generated 44% of total revenues in 2023, many others remain heavily reliant on ECB funding, with debts totaling £338.6 million.
Investments include major IPL teams: Mumbai Indians (Oval Invincibles), Sunrisers Hyderabad (Northern Superchargers), Delhi Capitals (Southern Brave), and Lucknow Super Giants (Manchester Originals). The remaining franchises attracted U.S. investors . The aim is to inject capital into non-host counties too, helping them upgrade infrastructure, reduce debt, and adopt sustainable revenue models
However, reports warn this isn’t a cure-all—counties risk repeating rugby’s private equity failures unless they manage the funds with discipline. The Leonard Curtis report urges stringent oversight and strategic planning to avoid deepening the financial divide between richer and poorer counties.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan called for greater transparency and knowledge-sharing among counties, saying,
“The Hundred money allows the 18 first-class counties to look to the future rather than simply survive from one summer to the next” .
Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain noted that the funding empowers all counties—especially non-hosts like Leicestershire and Northamptonshire—to invest in stadiums, player development, and year-round revenue streams (e.g., hotels).
