Manchester Originals will be officially rebranded as the Manchester Super Giants from the 2026 season of The Hundred, following a landmark £107 million acquisition by Indian industrialist Sanjiv Goenka and his RPSG Group. This move marks one of the most significant milestones yet in the ECB’s new private ownership model for the competition.
Goenka, who also owns the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Durban Super Giants in South Africa’s SA20 league, now brings his well-established Super Giants brand to the English market. The franchise’s rebranding reinforces the growing globalization and commercialization of domestic T20 cricket.
While the team name will change, it is not yet confirmed whether the Originals’ iconic black kit will shift to the Super Giants’ signature blue.
Lancashire Cricket have entered into an exclusivity period for RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (@rpsggroup) to become a partner in Manchester Originals following last week’s team auction.
RPSG is one of India’s fastest growing conglomerates, also owning @LucknowIPL and @DurbansSG.
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) February 14, 2025
RPSG expands to UK as ECB embraces private ownership
The rebrand follows the ECB’s recent policy shift to allow private ownership in The Hundred, aimed at boosting growth, investment, and global visibility. RPSG Group reportedly outbid at least two other IPL franchise owners to secure the Manchester-based franchise—signaling intensified international interest in the English cricket market.
Goenka, who also owns Indian football giant Mohun Bagan, shared his long-term ambitions for the franchise:
“We respect the legacy of Lancashire Cricket, and we welcome Manchester Originals to our RPSG family. We are committed to developing a deep bond with the players, support team, and the whole community at large. We believe in excellence and see a huge potential to deliver good quality cricket for generations to come.”
Manchester targets IPL-style fan experience
Manchester Originals Chair James Sheridan believes the RPSG investment will transform both the team’s performance and fan engagement. Drawing inspiration from elite sports properties like the IPL, Sheridan aims to deliver an elevated matchday experience:
“We want to offer our fans an experience never before seen in English cricket – looking to the IPL and other major sports for inspiration as we take our match day and fan experience to a completely different level.
“Whether in stadiums or via digital channels, Manchester will be the team to follow in The Hundred, as we will look to bring the world’s top cricket stars, both female and male, to Manchester every August and provide sporting entertainment of the highest level to the people of Manchester and the wider Northwest.”
Star-studded squads still chasing success
The Manchester Originals men’s team includes marquee names like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Heinrich Klaasen, and the recently signed James Anderson. Despite finishing as runners-up in both 2022 and 2023, the team has yet to secure the title.
On the women’s side, the squad boasts a world-class lineup featuring Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Amelia Kerr, and Deandra Dottin. However, the team has yet to reach the playoffs—a breakthrough moment still pending.
New identity signals new ambition
This rebrand goes far beyond a new name. It reflects a major shift in how The Hundred sees its future and role in the global T20 ecosystem. Backed by one of cricket’s most ambitious ownership groups, the Manchester Super Giants are poised to become a centerpiece of the competition’s next era.
With the 2025 season of The Hundred approaching—starting August 5 at Lord’s with London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles—the transformation is already underway ahead of a dramatic relaunch in 2026.
Manchester’s new name, global leadership, and IPL-style ambition could mark the start of a new era in English franchise cricket.
