In a significant move, GMR Group and JSW Sports have announced a strategic change in the management of their cricket operations for the Delhi Capitals franchise. Starting in 2025, GMR Group will manage the operations of the Delhi Capitals Men’s team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), while JSW Sports will control the Delhi Capitals Women’s team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). This rotational approach will be in place for two years, after which the roles will reverse.
This new operational arrangement is designed to optimise the management of both teams, allowing each ownership group to bring its unique expertise to the table. Despite the operational switch, all major cricketing decisions, such as auctions, captaincy, and player retention, will continue to be overseen by the Delhi Capitals board, with input from senior leaders of both GMR and JSW.
GMR role in Delhi Capitals history
GMR Group was one of the original franchise owners when the IPL launched in 2008, founding the team then known as the “Delhi Daredevils.” The franchise underwent a major rebranding in 2019, becoming the Delhi Capitals after JSW Sports joined in a 50-50 partnership.
Since its inception, Delhi Capitals have consistently been a competitive team in the IPL, making it to the semi-finals in the first two seasons and reaching the playoffs on multiple occasions. Their best finishes came in 2019, when they ended as second runners-up, and in 2020, when they reached the IPL final for the first time.
JSW Sports focus on Women’s Cricket
While GMR Group will handle the men’s team in IPL for the next two years, JSW Sports will focus on running the women’s team in the WPL.
Delhi Capitals’ Women’s team, acquired in 2023, has been a dominant force in the WPL, making it to the final in both editions of the tournament thus far. JSW’s involvement in managing the women’s team is expected to continue its upward trajectory.
International operations remain unchanged
Along with their roles in Indian cricket, both ownership groups have expanded into international leagues. GMR Group will continue running the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 league, while JSW Sports will manage the Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20 league. These international ventures, like the domestic teams, benefit from the shared expertise of both groups.
Strategic balance for Delhi Capitals
The rotational management structure between GMR and JSW is expected to bring fresh perspectives to both teams while maintaining continuity in operations. By playing to each group’s strengths, the Delhi Capitals franchise is poised for sustained success in both the men’s IPL and the growing WPL.
With this strategic distribution of responsibilities, Delhi Capitals is well-positioned to build on its past achievements and continue pushing for titles in both leagues.
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