As per reports in Cricbuzz, Mumbai Indians owners have bagged the Oval Invincibles a club from England's Hundred tournament at a stake of 49 percent. They won the three-way bidding race which also included the CVC Capital who also owns the Gujarat Titans franchise in the IPL.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are yet to confirm but it is understood that the value of the Oval Invincibles in the 100-ball tournament is 123 million GBP. Thus in Indian rupees, the Mumbai Indians co-owners have to pay about 61 million GBP in order to claim the 49 percent share.
It is also being reported that the Ambani household were keen on roping in the Hundred's London-based teams. London Spirit being the other along with the Oval Invincibles. Finally, they bagged the Invincibles.
Mukesh Ambani, the Mumbai-based business tycoon is the owner of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Besides that he owns several other franchsie teams in the world, namely- IL T20 in UAE (MI Emirates), SA 20 (MI Cape Town) and MLC in the US (MY New York).
Oval Invincibles Eyeing Third Title In The Hundred
The ECB are planning to conduct the sale in a phased manner so that the remaining investors can bag for the remaining sides. On Friday, the ECB will take up two other counties - London Spirit and Cardiff-based Welsh Fire - before resuming the auction next week for the remaining four sides - Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Trent Rockets and Southern Brave.
Reports further say that the host venues were given the allowance to sell 51 percent of their share but Surrey have held onto that share tightly.
Chairman Oli Slipper told the Surrey's members last month that they are planning to rename the franchise as Surrey Invincibles but now with the Mumbai Indians owners having a share, they are also expected to have their say on this.
Meanwhile, the fifth edition of the Hundred will be played from August 5-31 thereby avoiding a clash with Major League Cricket. The ECB are looking at this edition of the tournament as a transitional year.
