In a landmark decision reflecting the growing global influence of franchise cricket, the Manchester Originals have entered into a strategic partnership with India's Lucknow Super Giants. This deal solidifies the Originals' place as the second franchise within The Hundred to align with an Indian Premier League (IPL) team, following in the footsteps of Lancashire's previous partnerships.

Following a virtual auction held on February 3, 2025, the RPSG group, which owns the Lucknow Super Giants, has invested a staggering £116 million valuing the Originals. Under the terms of this agreement, RPSG is set to acquire a controlling 70% stake in the Manchester-based team, marking a historic first for Lancashire as it cedes control of one of its franchises.

Lancashire's Chief Executive, Daniel Gidney, expressed optimism about this partnership, stating, “Our focus was on securing a strong partner, and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time. We are excited about this collaboration to build a cricket team that resonates with the people of Manchester and the broader North West region.” This partnership comes amid a flurry of similar deals throughout The Hundred, with sales totaling approximately £366 million for five franchises.

The Lucknow Super Giants are a relatively new addition to the IPL, having been formed during the league’s expansion in 2021. Additionally, RPSG also operates the Durban Super Giants in the South African T20 league, indicating their commitment to developing cricket at various levels globally.

In the past week, Surrey also negotiated a significant £60 million deal with the owners of Mumbai Indians for a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles. Other franchises like Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire have also seen similar investments, further underscoring a vibrant trading environment in The Hundred.

With an eye on future growth, Lancashire plans to utilize proceeds from this deal to reduce debt, enhance facilities, and promote cricketing development in the region. All parties involved will now enter an exclusive negotiation period spanning eight weeks to finalize this significant transaction.