The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) could join the Mumbai Indians as they look to buy a stake in the Hundred franchise, the Manchester Originals. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will hold a bid for the sale of the eight franchises, and all 10 IPL teams are expected to show interest.
Manchester Originals’ home ground is Old Trafford in Lancashire, and therefore Lancashire Cricket County (LCC) will be gifted a 51% stake in the franchise by the ECB. The LCC has held talks with multiple potential partners but wants someone who understands cricket and, therefore, wants to partner up with an IPL franchise.
“Our preference is a partner who will partner with us on cricket, who can really help us grow our cricket, and clearly we have a strong interest in India. We’d love to work with an IPL, of course, because of the opportunities that would bring—both for us and for them. Our pathway is the best in the country, and so is our medical staff.” Lancashire’s CEO, Daniel Gidney, told ESPNcricinfo.
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No Manchester Super Giants?
The RPSG Group, the owners of LSG and Durban’s Super Giants, would definitely love to rename the Manchester Originals to Manchester Super Giants. A couple of days ago, it was speculated that the London Spirit could be renamed MI London if Reliance Industries bought a stake in the Hundred franchise. However, Lancashire’s CEO has hinted that it might not happen.
“We are unique in the cityscape of the UK in having two massive brands and Premier League football teams that both the name of the city. All I’m going to be drawn on that subject is I think it would be very difficult for Manchester Originals to be renamed either Manchester United or Manchester City,” Gidney said.
